RED DEER - As part of its three-year strategic planning process, Hockey Alberta is developing a new Parent Engagement Program (PEP) strategy.

Hockey Alberta’s PEP strategy will focus on better serving and supporting the parents, family members and coaches of hockey participants across the province. The strategy will focus on education on several core topics including:

Cyber-Bullying

Pre-Season Parent Meetings

Conversations on the Car Ride Home

Concussions

Behavior in the Arena

Supporting the athlete with good nutrition, hydration and sleep habits

A key component the PEP strategy are the Respect in Sport Parent and Activity Leader/Coach programs. Hockey Alberta has required successful completion of those programs since partnering with Respect Group in 2012.

Effective for the 2018-19 season, Hockey Alberta will require re-certification every four seasons for the RIS Parent and Activity Leader/Coach online programs. This will be mandatory for all families with players in sanctioned minor hockey and team officials. A minimum of one parent/caregiver per household must complete the Parent program. As well, Speak Out certification will no longer be recognized; those with Speak Out will require the appropriate Respect in Sport program.

An FAQ sheet has been developed to answer some questions. Over the course of the 2017-18 season, full details will be provided, including a renewal schedule and information about the PEP strategy.

FORT MCMURRAY - Zone 2 swept the gold medals in the hockey competition, as the 2018 Alberta Winter Games wrapped up in Fort McMurray on Monday.

In the Female Division, Zone 2 eked out a 3-2 victory over Zone 6 in the gold medal game. Meanwhile, in the Male Division, Zone 2 blanked Zone 3, 2-0, to capture the gold.

In the bronze medal games, it was also a sweep, as Zone 7 captured third place honours in both divisions. On the Female side, Zone 7 defeated Zone 3, 3-1. In the Male Division, Zone 7 defeated Zone 6, 7-2.

Action started on Saturday, with round-robin pool play for the eight male teams and six female teams.

In the Male Division, Zone 7 finished first and Zone 3 second in Pool A, while Zone 6 and Zone 2 were tied atop Pool B, with Zone 6 being awarded top spot. In the semi-finals, both first-place finishers were upset, as Zone 2 defeated Zone 7, 8-1, and Zone 3 defeated Zone 6, 5-2.

In the Female Division, Zone 2 finished first and Zone 3 second in Pool A, while all three teams in Pool B tied with 2 points. Zone 7 was awarded first, and Zone 6 second. In the semi-finals, Zones 2 and 6 emerged victorious with identical 3-1 wins, to advance to the gold medal game.

BONNYVILLE - For the second time in three years, Bonnyville will host the World Junior A Challenge.

The annual showcase of Canadian and international Junior A talent returns to Alberta December 9-15, 2018.

The 2018 World Junior A Challenge represents a partnership between Hockey Canada, the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL), and Hockey Alberta, as well as the local host committee and NHL Central Scouting. Similar to previous years, two Canadian teams – Canada East and Canada West – will compete with four international entries for a gold medal in Bonnyville.

“Bonnyville was an excellent host to teams, fans, and our partners at the 2016 World Junior A Challenge, and it’s great to be returning there in 2018,” said Dean McIntosh, vice-president of events and properties with Hockey Canada. “Its previous success and strong community support in 2016 resulted in a strong legacy for the community, and we look forward to continuing to support the growth of and development of hockey, and the positive financial impact to the area, with this year’s tournament.”

The World Junior A Challenge host committee will look to emulate the success of the 2016 event, which was staged by nearly 150 community volunteers.

“The level of support we received in 2016 from the region, funding partners, and volunteers was truly incredible,” said Robb Hunter, co-chair of the local host committee. “This support is the reason our group has the opportunity to bring the elite competition of the World Junior A Challenge back to Bonnyville so quickly, and we are excited to create another memorable event for all participating teams through the continued passion for junior hockey in our community.”

Team Canada West claimed its fifth gold medal at the 2017 World Junior A Challenge in Truro, N.S., defeating the United States 5-1 in front of a sell-out crowd at the Rath Eastlink Community Centre.

Hockey Alberta coordinates the ice hockey portion of the Winter Games, as a core segment of its Development Program. The Winter Games provide players, coaches, trainers and referees an opportunity to discover the great qualities of competitive hockey starting with the zone camp and selection process, through to competing in the Games.

Each camp features Power Edge Pro’s Reactive Countering Training™, a uniquely designed on-ice player development system that focuses on engaging multiple motor skills simultaneously to develop a player’s small area game performance. All patterns are completed while maintaining puck control and are designed to provide five times as many repetitions as standard drill based practices, leading to faster development of elite skills.

Athletes who train with Power Edge Pro include Connor McDavid, John Tavares, Matt Duchene, Jason Spezza, Aaron Ekblad, Taylor Hall, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Brayden Schenn, Nathan MacKinnon, Morgan Rielly, Sam Steel. PEP has also trained four of the past five WHL draft first overall selections, all of whom have hailed from Alberta.

RED DEER - A unique skill development opportunity is available to 2004-born male hockey players in Alberta, as Hockey Alberta and the Western Hockey League are co-hosting the fourth annual WHL Skills Camp.

The camp, for U15 players, is set to run June 8-10, 2018 in Calgary. The cost of the camp is $300.

The WHL Skills Camp provides athletes with the opportunity to learn from an impressive array of instructors, including instructors from the WHL. Participants will be divided into eight teams for the weekend, and participate in a variety of activities, including:

Friday: On and Off-Ice Combine testing

Saturday: Team Alberta/WHL presentation, Yoga, and two skill sessions.

Sunday: one skill session, a dry land session and the event will wrap up with a game officiated by the WHL Officials Development Camp.

Goaltenders will also participate in an on and off-ice goaltender session.

The camp will focus on skill development and proper training techniques, and provides athletes with information about the Team Alberta process, information on the WHL, while challenging players to excel on and off the ice.

The maximum capacity for the camp is 160 athletes. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information, please contact Dustin Moore, Coordinator, Team Alberta

EDMONTON - The 2018 Alberta Female Hockey League Prospects Games were a huge success, with the Midget Elite North and Bantam Elite South teams coming out on top in their respective games.

Both games took place at the NAIT Arena in Edmonton, complete with on-ice goalie and skills sessions, team-building activities, and a fitting booth with one of the day’s sponsors, CCM, giving players the chance to try out various pieces of equipment throughout the day.

Two forwards and one defence from each AFHL team were selected to their respective rosters by AFHL coaches, while goaltenders were selected based on their statistical ranking as of January 10. The coaches chosen to represent the North and South teams in each league are from the first and second place teams within each division.

The Alberta Female Hockey League would like to thank all the parents, players and coaches for making the AFHL Prospects games such a success. The AFHL would also like to thank all of the event sponsors: Gatorade Canada, CCM, Two Point Photography and Skate to Excel.

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta’s Coach of the Month for January is Kraig Radtke of Leduc.

Kraig is currently the Head Coach of the Leduc Roughnecks Atom 1 team.

"This year, I was fortunate to be surrounded by a great group of kids, parents, managers and coaches. The entire coaching staff and managers on our Leduc Atom 1 Hockey team have made significant contributions that support my overall coaching philosophy and goals," said Kraig. "Hockey and coaching takes up a huge part of my life and I look forward to every moment I have with the kids on the ice, on the bench and in the dressing room. It is extremely rewarding to see the kids enjoy the game as much as I do and to know that I helped foster or create that passion for the game."

"Kraig has shown several qualities of an outstanding coach for our Atom team," said the individual who nominated Kraig. "He had shown interest in all of the boys’ individual success and continues to focus on helping them reach their goals. One of the things that really stood out was the way he continues to emphasize the importance of being a team player, not just on the ice in a practice or game setting but outside of the rink and in life. He has had several talks with the team about the importance of being respectful, looking out for one another, and being accountable for you’re actions. It is so important to teach our young hockey players life lessons through sports and I think he and the other coaching staff have been doing a great job in reinforcing this. He has been completely dedicated to the team and our team appreciates everything he has brought forward."

It’s a four-way tie atop the Midget AAA leaderboard between Rocky Mountain Raiders forwards Chloe Puddifant, Breanne Trotter, and Nicole Fry, along with Red Deer’s Cassidy Maplethorpe, all with 24 points through four months of play. Trotter and Fry lead the way with 16 goals and 15 assists, respectively.

Calgary Fire Red forward Sydney Benko leads the league in goals (19) and points (24), while Peace Country’s Karsyn May leads the way with 12 assists.

St. Albert’s Holly Borrett leads all Midget Elite goaltenders with a 1.02 goals against average, while Edmonton’s Josie-Leah Cardinal remains atop the leaderboard with a .960 save percentage. Airdrie’s Cianna Weir continues to lead the way with 12 wins, while Cardinal and Calgary Fire White netminder Cassidy Brown are tied with four shutouts each.

Airdrie’s Cianna Weir continues to lead Midget Elite goaltenders with 11 wins. St. Albert’s Cecelia Michelutti’s 0.80 goals against average and .960 save percentage are both tops in the league, while Edmonton’s Josie-Leah Cardinal remains atop the leaderboard with a .960 save percentage and fourree shutouts.

Sherwood Park’s Jenna Goodwin ended January on a strong note, sitting atop the league in goals (20) and points (29), with North Central’s Jacquelyn Fleming leading the way in assists, with 12.

Alexandra Kieren continues her standout season with Calgary White, leading the way with a 0.81 GAA, a .950 save percentage, while St. Albert’s Layla Hood is tied for the league lead in wins (12) with Sherwood Park’s Asia Kachuk. Hood and Kieren both lead the league in shutouts, with 5 apiece.

Two forwards and one defence from each AFHL team were selected to their respective rosters by AFHL coaches, while goaltenders were selected based on their statistical ranking as of January 10. The coaches chosen to represent the North and South teams in each league are from the first and second place teams within each division.

Both AFHL Prospects games are set for February 3 at the NAIT Arena in Edmonton. The Bantam Elite Prospects Game goes at 2:30 p.m., with the Midget Elite Prospects Game to follow at 5:00 p.m.

Prior to each Prospects games, participating players will take part in on-ice goalie and skills sessions, as well as a team-building activity. CCM will also be on site to allow players the chance to try out various pieces of equipment throughout the day.

RED DEER – Goaltenders of all ages and abilities can improve their skills and learn from some of the province’s top goaltending instructors by attending one of Hockey Alberta’s 2018 Goaltender Development Camps.

As part of its Provincial Goaltender Development Plan unveiled last year, Hockey Alberta is hosting three sets of goaltender development camps this spring. The schedule features two goalie Skill Development camps, two camps for Elite level goalies, and two U14 camps offered in partnership with Hockey Canada.

“Being a goaltender is a unique and challenging position on any hockey team. We want to ensure that goalies of all abilities and experience levels have the opportunity to learn the skills of the position from knowledgeable instructors, and to have fun at the same time,” said Matt Weninger, Hockey Alberta’s Goaltending Lead and Regional Centre Consultant in Lethbridge.

SKILL DEVELOPMENT CAMP: Hockey Alberta has offered goaltender skill development camps for several years, providing goalies across the province with training and techniques to develop a solid base of skills. This camp is open to all goaltenders born in 2003-09. The 2018 camps will feature Hockey Alberta’s new group of Regional Goaltending Leads who work with minor hockey associations across the province on goaltender development plans.

North Camp: May 5-6 in Edmonton

South Camp: May 26-27 in Calgary

ELITE CAMP: Hockey Alberta is offering the Elite Camp for the second year. Enrolment in the Elite Camp is by application, and the goal of the camp is to work with the province’s top male and female goaltenders to help them with the transition to the next stage of their development. The instructional staff includes an impressive list of WHL goalie coaches, and Hockey Canada and Hockey Alberta staff.

Elite Female Camp: June 16-17 in Cochrane, open to the top 36 Bantam and Midget goaltenders.

Elite Male Camp: June 23-24 in Camrose, open to the top 36 Bantam and top 18 Minor Midget goaltenders in Alberta.

HOCKEY CANADA U14 CAMP: Working in partnership with Hockey Canada, Hockey Alberta is offering this new camp for 2018 focused on Peewee and Bantam AA goaltenders, and includes four hours of on-ice time, and five off-ice sessions.

RED DEER - The road to the Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships, presented by ATB Financial, has officially begun for hundreds of teams and thousands of players across the province as Zone Playdowns get underway.

The Zone Playdowns serve as the qualifying process for teams to earn the right to represent their zone at the Provincial Championships in March. In some Zones, teams are faced with the arduous task of having to play as many as four or five rounds of Playdown action by the end of February in the bid to earn their Zone crown.

All Zone Playdowns are two-game, total-goal series. All Playdown draw brackets, completion dates, and results can be viewed on the Hockey Alberta website, or by going to haplaydowns.ca. Results will be updated on a regular basis.

RED DEER - Six communities across the province are set to celebrate Hockey Alberta’s second annual Alberta Hockey Day on Saturday, January 20.

Brooks, High Level, Paradise Valley, Red Deer, Strathmore and Westlock will all host a variety of activities on Alberta Hockey Day, as well as the day before and after, with a special focus on age-appropriate programming at the Initiation and Novice levels.

Fun and interactive on-ice activities are scheduled throughout the day, with special skills development clinics and other events, along with a variety of off-ice sessions and seminars for players, coaches and parents. All events are designed for both new and existing participants in our great sport with a focus on fun, skills and friendships.

Many on-ice events are based around teams’ pre-existing ice times, while other on and off-ice events are open to the public to attend, with several coach instructional streams requiring registration ahead of time.

Albertans are encouraged to join in on the Alberta Hockey Day celebrations - which coincides with Hockey Day in Canada - by attending the events nearest them.

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta and Hockey Canada are pleased to announce the Lacombe Generals as the hosts of the 2019 Allan Cup, Canada’s annual Senior AAA national championship.

"After a thorough review of the submitted bids, I would like to congratulate the Lacombe Generals and their Host committee on being awarded this opportunity,” said Jamie Salm, Hockey Alberta’s Chair, Senior Hockey. “Hockey Alberta is looking forward to working with the host committee on what is sure to be an exciting week of hockey for fans across Alberta.”

The event will be hosted at the Gary Moe Auto Group Sportsplex in April 2019 (complete schedule and ticket information to be announced). Six teams will participate in the round-robin, pool-play event, followed by sudden-death playoffs.

“On behalf of the Host Committee I want to thank Hockey Alberta for selecting our proposal to host the 2019 Allan Cup," said Steve Christie, Bid Committee Chair. "We look forward to working together in delivering this prestigious event to the Hockey world. Our Committee members are ecstatic to be representing such a great organization in the Lacombe Generals and helping showcase and promote the incredibly supportive and vibrant City of Lacombe, together we have the experience, facilities and enthusiasm to make this the best Allan Cup event yet.”

The Allan Cup was last hosted in Alberta in 2013 in Red Deer.

The 2018 Allan Cup is set for April 9-18 in Rosetown, SK. For details on the 2018 Allan Cup, go to allancup.ca.

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta’s Coach of the Month for December is Mark Fournier of Smoky River.

Mark is currently the Head Coach of the Smoky River Smoky Seed Bantams and the Assistant Coach of the Smoky River Novice Richardson Pioneers.

"One of the things I enjoy the most about coaching year after year is seeing their improvement," said Mark. "Having coached some of these kids since they were 3 and coaching them now at 13 is rewarding beyond words. Hockey to me is so much more than just a sport. It is an opportunity that our kids have when coached properly to learn about respect, team work, leadership, pride, accountability, disappointment, perseverance, belonging and commitment. These are skills they will take away with them and use in their everyday lives not only now but as they become adults. It’s important to me that my teams know that the hard work they put in today will always pay off at some point and that in the meantime, it’s also important to have fun!"

"Mark has always played a key integral role in our Minor Hockey Association since way before his first son started initiation in 2008," said the parent who nominated Mark. "He served as a community at large member on the board, took the referee clinic annually, held many roles, wore many hats including referee in chief, coached the local ladies team and shockingly coached initiation level for nearly 10 years as he always had a child in the program. Everyone knows it takes an exceptionally patient, reasonable and considerate person to coach the little ones, to volunteer your time, encourage them, believe in them when they don’t believe in themselves and listened to the 1000’s of stories they have to tell. The # of 1st goals witnessed, and high fives given would have been nearly impossible to keep track of! Mark continues to empower, mentor and inspire the players, referees and fellow coaches, he is also highly respected by parents, officials, coaches and players! He is a dream to now have at the head of our association, he is passionate about the sport and the success and enjoyment of the sport for all!"

Two forwards and one defence from each AFHL team were selected to their respective rosters by AFHL coaches, while goaltenders were selected based on their statistical ranking as of January 10. The coaches chosen to represent the North and South teams in each league are from the first and second place teams within each division.

Both AFHL Prospects games are set for February 3 at the NAIT Arena in Edmonton. The Bantam Elite Prospects Game goes at 2:30 p.m., with the Midget Elite Prospects Game to follow at 5:00 p.m.

Prior to each Prospects games, participating players will take part in on-ice goalie and skills sessions, as well as a team-building activity. CCM will also be on site to allow players the chance to try out various pieces of equipment throughout the day.

CALGARY - The Canadian Tire First Shift is pleased to announce the launch of the 2018-2019 application process to become a host Minor Hockey Association for The First Shift program. Minor Hockey Associations are encouraged to review the application criteria and submit an online application.

The Canadian Tire First Shift Program is designed to ease kids and their families into the sport of hockey in a fun and welcoming environment. It is open to boys and girls ages 6-10 years old, who have never registered to play hockey. The registration fee is $199 for each participant and includes:

The deadline to register is Friday, March 2 at 4:00 p.m. (NOTE: Register early, as spaces are limited.)

Please note: The zone boundaries have been re-aligned for the 2018 Alberta Cup, to more closely coincide with the Male Alberta Development Model. Please review the revised zone boundary directory, as players will now attend the appropriate camp based on where they would attend their first tryout for Bantam AAA, unless otherwise indicated. Entire Minor Hockey Associations are within a specific Alberta Cup zone and not split. If you have any questions on the zone boundary changes, please contact Dustin Moore at dmoore@hockeyalberta.ca before registering for a zone camp.

2018 Alberta Cup staff announced

Hockey Alberta is pleased to announce the staff for each team competing in the 2018 Alberta Cup. A director of operations, coach mentor, head coach, two assistant coaches, and one trainer were selected for each of the eight zone teams.

The Alberta Cup aids in the identification and selection of potential players for Hockey Alberta’s Team Alberta program, with more than 700 players annually trying out for 160 spots (20 positions on each of the eight zone teams).

The Alberta Cup is a comprehensive and unique program, and an absolute grassroots program where every bantam-aged player, regardless of experience or community size, has the opportunity to try out for his Zone team.

In addition to player development, the Alberta Cup also features opportunities for administrators, referees, coaches, therapists and equipment managers to be identified for potential positions at higher level events, such as the World U17 Hockey Challenge and Canada Winter Games.

RED DEER - The next step in the Road to Red Deer is now complete, as Hockey Alberta is pleased to announce the full list of staff members for the teams that will represent the province at the 2019 Canada Winter Games.

"We’re very excited about both groups we have assembled to lead Team Alberta at the 2019 Canada Winter Games," said Michael Kraichy, Manager, Team Alberta. "Each staff member brings an immense amount of experience within the game, as well as familiarity with the Team Alberta program. They have all earned the opportunity to represent Alberta, and we look forward to carrying on the province’s rich tradition at the Canada Winter Games."

Team Alberta U18 Female Staff

POSITION

NAME

HOMETOWN

Director of Hockey Operations

Kendall Newell

Red Deer

Coach Mentor

Barry Medori

Spruce Grove

Head Scout

Doug MacLeod

Lethbridge

Head Coach

Carla MacLeod

Calgary

Assistant Coach

Craig Perrett

Calgary

Assistant Coach

Cassea Schols

Edmonton

Goalie Coach

Amanda Tapp

Calgary

Video Coach

Ally Bendfeld

Innisfail

Athletic Therapist

Farah Mukadam

Calgary

Strength & Conditioning

Heather Osgood

Edmonton

Team Alberta U16 Male Staff

POSITION

NAME

HOMETOWN

Director of Hockey Operations

Michael Kraichy

Red Deer

Coach Mentor

Barry Medori

Spruce Grove

Head Scout

Jamie Porter

Edmonton

Head Coach

Serge Lajoie

Edmonton

Associate Coach

Bobby Fox

Medicine Hat

Assistant Coach

Brandin Cote

Red Deer

Goalie Coach

Derek Purfield

Calgary

Video Coach

Matt Keillor

Grande Prairie

Skills Coach

Jeff Shantz

Calgary

Athletic Therapist

Karyn Fanstone

Brooks

Equipment Manager

Dave Campbell

Grande Prairie

Competition at the Canada Winter Games runs February 14-23, 2019 for the Male squad, and February 23-March 2 for the Female squad.

Mike Carlsen and Roxy Brocklebank will serve as Team Alberta North Female’s Head Coach and Assistant Coach, respectively. Selection camps ran January 5-7, and saw over 40 athletes turn out to compete for a spot with Team Alberta North.

Hockey Alberta’s Junior Female squad, along with a Bantam Male team, will compete in the Arctic Winter Games March 17-24 in Fort Smith and Hay River, NWT.

The Arctic Winter Games are the world’s largest northern multi-sport and cultural event. The Arctic Winter Games are a celebration of athletic completion, culture, friendship and cooperation between northern contingents. Athletic competition features sports that enjoy worldwide popularity alongside traditional Arctic Sports and Dene games. The cultural component is a pillar of the Games, featuring visual arts, dance, ceremonies and galas with participants from across the circumpolar region.

Each hockey team is comprised of 17 players and two coaches. Teams participate in a round-robin tournament to determine seeding for medal-round pairings. One gold ulu is awarded in each division. Teams that regularly participate in ice hockey include Alaska, Yukon, Alberta North, Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

Red Deer forward Cassidy Maplethorpe leads all skaters in assists (13) and points (24) through three months of play, and shares the lead for goals (11) with Rocky Mountain Raiders forward Breanne Trotter.

St. Albert goaltender Brianna Sank sits atop the league with a 1.30 goals-against average and a .950 save percentage, and is tied for the league lead in shutouts (two) with teammate Camryn Drever, and Red Deer’s Chantelle Sandquist. Drever, Sandquist and Raiders goalie Stephanie Gross all lead the league in wins, with seven each.

Lethbridge’s Hayleigh Craig leads the league with 18 points, while Airdrie forward Madison Black and Calgary Fire Red forward Sydney Benko share the lead with 13 goals each. Peace Country’s Karsyn May and St. Albert’s Annika Neset are tied for the league lead in assists, with 10 each.

Airdrie’s Cianna Weir continues to lead Midget Elite goaltenders with 11 wins. St. Albert’s Cecelia Michelutti’s 0.80 goals against average and .960 save percentage are both tops in the league, while Edmonton’s Josie-Leah Cardinal remains atop the leaderboard with three shutouts.

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta, jointly with Power Edge Pro Hockey (PEP), is pleased to announce PEP as its official skill development partner moving into 2018.

The partnership entails extensive use of the PEP training system, known as Reactive Countering TrainingTM, from grassroots to elite level hockey programs across Alberta.

“Hockey Alberta is pleased to be working with Power Edge Pro Hockey to enhance skill development opportunities for players of all ages in Alberta,” said Justin Fesyk, Senior Manager, Hockey Development for Hockey Alberta. “PEP’s array of on-ice equipment and teaching resources will provide coaches at all levels with new and creative instruction techniques for individual skill development within a team environment.”

Hockey Alberta and Power Edge Pro will work together to offer PEP’s unique training methodologies to all of Hockey Alberta’s members. The partnership will allow teams to purchase, at exclusive Hockey Alberta pricing, PEP’s expertise (initial coach training and bi-weekly webinars), resources (iPad app and HUDL software), and patented on-ice equipment to implement PEP directly in practices.

The partnership will leverage Hockey Alberta’s Regional Centre structure and PEP’s certified instructor network, with further opportunities to use the PEP training system at every practice through PEP’s Youth Association Partnerships program.

“We are very familiar with the hockey community in Alberta,” said Joe Quinn, President of Power Edge Pro Hockey, “This partnership illustrates Hockey Alberta’s progressiveness in the skill development space, as well as its desire to adopt innovative and fun training programs to engage its members in the sport for life.”

PEP has trained four of the past five WHL draft first overall selections, all of whom have hailed from Alberta.

About Power Edge Pro Hockey

Power Edge Pro is a player development system utilizing Reactive Countering TrainingTM. RCT engages multiple motor skills simultaneously, syncing the hands, feet, and mind, to accelerate a player’s skill development and game transfer. PEP’s Reactive Countering TrainingTM has been a key element of NHL MVP Connor McDavid’s training since he was 11 years old, and has since been adopted by players from house league, to competitive minor hockey, to the NHL. Other pros training with PEP include John Tavares, Taylor Hall, Matt Duchene, and Sam Gagner. PEP prides itself on unparalleled skill development and its ability to engage the hockey community through unique and fun practice programs.

Hockey Alberta is the Provincial Sports Organization and governing body for organized amateur hockey in the Province of Alberta. Hockey Alberta’s Vision is Hockey for Life, and Hockey Alberta encourages participation on both a competitive and recreational level for those who enjoy hockey for the sportsmanship, skill and enjoyment it can provide. Hockey Alberta’s Regional Centre network includes offices in Grande Prairie, Edmonton, Lloydminster, Red Deer, Calgary and Lethbridge. In 2016-17, there were more than 65,000 registered players on approximately 4,000 teams in Alberta.

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta’s Coach of the Month for November is Derek Selte of Vermilion.

Derek is currently in his third season as Head Coach of the Vermilion Atom Female Tigers.

"I truly enjoy watching the girls develop personally and as a team and knowing I have played a part of that makes every minute worth it," said Derek. "Their genuine enjoyment of the game and the bonding they do as a team makes the time spent with these girls very fulfilling."

"Derek is a highlight in my daughters week," said the parent who nominated Derek. "We are starting our second season with him, and she is excited for every practice, she never complains. On the ice he is always working the girls and they are getting better with every practice, he makes practices a challenge and the girls love it. Derek is exactly what I hope for in a coach for my child. I am thankful for every year we have him as a coach."

For more details on Hockey Alberta’s Coach of the Month, or to nominate a coach, click here.

The following provincial champions will be decided via league playoffs: Senior AAA, Junior A, Midget AAA, and Bantam AAA.

ATB Financial will once again headline as the presenting sponsor of the Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships, continuing a long-standing relationship with Hockey Alberta.

Hockey Alberta’s month-long “March to a title” features provincial championship tournament action during three weekends in March and April, along with four champions crowned through league playoff series. Organizations interested in hosting a provincial championship tournament completed a detailed bid process, with a bid committee evaluating the submissions.

The majority of teams competing in minor Provincial Championship tournaments qualify by winning a zone playdown. Playdowns start in mid-January across the province, with up to 1,000 teams vying for the right to represent their zone at the provincial championships. Host teams receive an automatic berth in the championship they are hosting, although they do participate in zone playdowns, and have the opportunity to win their zone title.

Hosts for the following events are still being accepted and reviewed: Midget Female B, Bantam Female B, and Atom AA Major . Interested applicants can contact Bryden Burrell, Coordinator, Hockey Operations.

Twenty players comprise each roster, along with volunteers serving as head coach, assistant coach, coach mentor, and director of operations. Rosters were selected based on performances at regional camps held December 8-10 in Morinville and Innisfail.

The Alberta Winter Games is a multi-sport event for developing athletes, aged 11-17 years old. The Winter Games were first hosted in 1976 in Banff, and occur each even-numbered year. The athletes are selected to represent the eight zones in Alberta in 20 sports such as hockey, badminton, gymnastics, skiing and skating. Hockey Alberta coordinates the ice hockey portion of the Winter Games, as a core segment of its Development Program.

Simon Juckes and Damon Jeffs will serve as Team Alberta North Male’s Head Coach and Assistant Coach, respectively. Juckes returns to Team Alberta North after winning a gold medal in 2016 as an Assistant Coach. Selection camps ran December 8-10 in High Prairie, and saw over 150 athletes turn out to compete for a spot with Team Alberta North.

Hockey Alberta’s Bantam Male squad, along with a Junior Female team, will compete in the Arctic Winter Games March 17-24 in Fort Smith and Hay River, NWT.

Female team selection camp runs January 5-7 in Slave Lake.

The Arctic Winter Games are the world’s largest northern multi-sport and cultural event. The Arctic Winter Games are a celebration of athletic completion, culture, friendship and cooperation between northern contingents. Athletic competition features sports that enjoy worldwide popularity alongside traditional Arctic Sports and Dene games. The cultural component is a pillar of the Games, featuring visual arts, dance, ceremonies and galas with participants from across the circumpolar region.

Each hockey team is comprised of 17 players and two coaches. Teams participate in a round-robin tournament to determine seeding for medal-round pairings. One gold ulu is awarded in each division. Teams that regularly participate in ice hockey include Alaska, Yukon, Alberta North, Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

RED DEER - The second month of the 2017-18 Alberta Female Hockey League is now in the books, with the St. Albert Slash (Midget AAA), St. Alberta Sharks (Midget Elite), and Calgary Fire White (Bantam Elite) sitting atop the standings in their respective leagues.

Lethbridge’s Hayleigh Craig leads the league with 16 points, and is tied with Airdrie forward Madison Black and Calgary Fire Red forward Sydney Benko with eight goals, while Peace Country’s Karsyn May holds the lead in assists with eight.

Airdrie’s Cianna Weir continues to lead Midget Elite goaltenders with seven wins. St. Albert’s Cecelia Michelutti’s minuscule 0.67 goals against average is tops in the league, while Edmonton’s Josie-Leah Cardinal’s remains atop the leaderboard with two shutouts.

Calgary Fire White’s Sarah Gaiser leads all Bantam Elite skaters with 16 points, while Sherwood Park’s Jenna Goodwin leads the way with 10 goals, and Lloydminster’s Jayde Cadieux is tied with Gaiser for the league leader in assists, with eight.

Alexandra Kieren continues her strong play with Calgary White, with a stingy 0.20 GAA and .990 save percentage in five games, earning a shutout in all four of her wins. Kieren’s counterpart, Kalynah Fong Martin leads the league with seven wins.

The Shoppe features a wide array of garments – with styles for males, females, and youths – in several colours, adorned with the Hockey Alberta logo. Each item can be personalized with an individual’s name, team or club name, and/or number.

The Shoppe includes clothing for males, females and youth, as well as hats, and bags from different manufacturers.

Eight teams will take to the ice in Fort McMurray on February 16-19, with 160 2005-born male players ready to take the first step in the Team Alberta program. Two teams each were formed from the South (Zones 1 & 2), Calgary (Zones 3 & 4), Edmonton (Zones 5 & 6), and the North (Zones 7 & 8).

Twenty players comprise each roster, along with volunteers serving as head coach, assistant coaches, coach mentor, and director of operations. Rosters were selected based on performances at regional camps held November 23-26 in Fort Saskatchewan, Leduc, Olds and Calgary.

The eight coaching staffs for the male program are comprised of one director of operations, one coach mentor, one head coach, and two assistant coaches. The six coaching staffs for the female program are comprised of one director of operations, one coach mentor, one head coach and one assistant coach.

RED DEER – Carla MacLeod and Serge Lajoie will be at the helm of the Alberta squads competing in hockey at the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer.

Hockey Alberta kicked off “The Road to Red Deer” on Wednesday with the announcements that MacLeod is the head coach for the Team Alberta U18 Female team, and Lajoie is the head coach for the Team Alberta U16 Male team.

Both have previous experience in the Canada Winter Games and Team Alberta programs.

MacLeod was a member of Team Alberta as a player at two Canada Winter Games (1995 and 1999), and was the head coach of Team Alberta at the National Women’s U18 Championship in 2016. As a player, her international experience includes Olympic Gold Medals in 2006 and 2010. She also coached Team Japan at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. Currently, she is the Midget Female Prep head coach at the Edge School for Athletes.

“This is a tremendous honour. It has been a goal to get back involved with the Canada Games. Having been involved as a player, it almost feels like I’m coming full circle to come back as a coach. I know the magnitude of the Games, and I’m excited to have a front-row seat to some kids living that dream,” said MacLeod.

Lajoie was an assistant coach with the Team Alberta Male squad that won the bronze medal at the 2011 Games in Halifax, and head coach of the gold medalist U16 male squad at the 2013 Western Canada Challenge Cup. He also was an assistant coach for Team Canada at the 2016 IIHF U18 World Championship. As a player, Lajoie participated in the inaugural Alberta Cup, winning a silver medal in 1986. Currently, he is the head coach of the University of Alberta Golden Bears.

“This is quite an honour and a privilege to have the opportunity to coach at the Canada Winter Games. I had the experience in 2011, and I know it is a big event,” said Lajoie. “I really look forward to the opportunity and the challenge to get the most out of the players and make it an experience they will remember for a long time.”

Bobby Fox will join Lajoie as the U16 Male team’s associate coach. Fox, currently an assistant coach with the Medicine Hat Tigers, has coached Team Alberta U16 squads twice, including as head coach of the gold medal squad at the 2015 Western Canada Challenge Cup.

Competition at the Canada Winter Games runs February 14-23, 2019 for the Male squad, and February 23-March 2 for the Female squad.

Assistant Coaches and Video Coaches

Hockey Alberta is now accepting applications for an Assistant Coach and a Video Coach for each Canada Winter Games squad. Application forms are available below:

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta’s Coach of the Month for October is Chad Goeree of Sherwood Park.

Chad is the Head Coach for the SPS Fuzion Peewee team, and the Assistant Coach for the SPS Fuzion Bantam team.

"My coaching philosophy is simply, first and foremost, making sure the athletes are having fun, learning team work, respecting others, and understanding the importance of hard work," said Chad. "I try to teach players that the only limitations they face in both hockey and life are the limitations they put on themselves, and that through hard work and dedication, they can accomplish anything."

"Coaching isn’t just about what happens on the ice, it matters what happens off the ice too. Kids need to come away from games and practices feeling good about themselves and Chad inevitably makes this happen," said the parent who nominted Chad. "Not only does Chad help grow the players, he helps grow his bench staff, including himself. Personal growth as leaders is encouraged and supported within the team. When we have coaches in the system that have become great leaders, it is important that they are recognized. It is my belief that Chad personifies this type of leader and should be recognized as such!"

For more details on Hockey Alberta’s Coach of the Month, or to nominate a coach, click here.

The Speaker Series features a game-day seminar session, with each session offering a unique professional development opportunity to learn from high profile junior coaches - as well as a chance to catch the Grande Prairie Storm in action.

The night will feature presentations from Grande Prairie Storm Head Coach Matt Keillor, and Spruce Grove Saints Head Coach Bram Stephen, who coached together on Team Alberta’s gold medal-winning U16 team in 2016.

The Seminar will be held at Revolution Place in Grande Prairie. There are only 20 seats available for the seminar, and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is $45 (plus GST) per coach, and includes the following ($200 value):

QUEBEC CITY - For the second straight year, Team Alberta claimed fifth place at the National Women’s U18 Championship, wrapping up the tournament with a 4-1 win over Quebec.

Danielle Serdachny opened the scoring for Alberta just under seven minutes into the first, and Kassy Betinol doubled the lead with her second goal of the tournament midway through the second period. Chloe Puddifant and Mackenzie Butz added two more for Alberta to begin the third, before Quebec broke the shutout bid with just seven minutes to go for a 4-1 final.

In her second start of the tournament, goaltender Camryn Dever made 24 saves for the win, and was named Alberta’s Player of the Game. Both Drever and Erin Fargey finished the tournament with a 1-1 record in net.

RED DEER - The first month of the 2017-18 Alberta Female Hockey League is now in the books, with the St. Albert Slash (Midget AAA), St. Alberta Sharks (Midget Elite), and Calgary Fire White (Bantam Elite) sitting atop the standings in their respective leagues.

Rocky Mountain Raiders forward Chloe Puddifant leads all skaters in points (12) through the first month of play, while Lloydminster forward Kelsey Hall (five goales) and Calgary forward Mackenzie Loupelle (five assists) lead the league in their respective categories.

Goaltender Bella McKee was strong in net for Lloydminster in October, with a league-leading four wins. McKee’s 1.20 goals against average puts her second in the league, behind teammate Molly Mitchell, who currently holds a 1.00 GAA, while both goalies are tied for the league lead with a .960 save percentage.

Peace Country’s Shauna Johnson sits atop the leaderboard in goals (six), and is tied with Lethbridge’s Hayleigh Craig for the lead league in points (eight), while Johnson’s teammate, Karsyn May, holds the lead in assists (six).

Airdrie’s Cianna Weir and Peace Country’s Madison Doucette both set the pace for goaltenders in October with three wins each. Edmonton’s Josie-Leah Cardinal recorded two shutouts in four appearances (with two wins), while seven goaltenders sit tied for second with one shutout in October, including St. Alberta’s Cecelia Michelutti, who leads the league with a 0.50 GAA and a .970 save percentage in two starts.

Peace Country’s Charlieze Sallis set the pace for skaters in October with 10 points. Sherwood Park’s Jenna Goodwin leads the way with six goals, while Edmonton’s Sydney Dutertre is the league leader in assists, with five.

Through three games, Alexandra Kieren has been a wall in net for Calgary White, with a stingy 0.32 GAA and .980 save percentage in two wins and a shootout loss, along with two shutouts. Kieren’s counterpart, Kalynah Fong Martin, and Sherwood Park’s Asia Kachuk are tied for the league lead with four wins each.

QUEBEC CITY - Team Alberta closed out round-robin play at the U18 Nationals with a 3-0 win over Team Atlantic on Friday morning.

After being shut-out by both Ontario teams in the first two games, forward Kassy Betinol snapped Alberta’s goalless streak just 33 seconds into the second period. Team Alberta built on it’s lead early in the third with goals from Breanne Trotter and Courtney Kollman to seal its first win of the tournament.

In her second start, goaltender Erin Fargey shut the door on Team Atlantic, stopping all 25 shots sent her way to earn the shutout win, and earned Player of the Game honours for her efforts.

Team Alberta and Team Atlantic both sit with a 1-2 record following round-robin play. Alberta now awaits the results of the game between Ontario Red (1-1) and Ontario Blue (1-1) to find out when its game will be on Saturday. That game goes Friday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. (4:30 p.m. EDT)

For stats, a full schedule, and more information on the U18 Nationals, click here.

In celebration of Canada 150, the Ottawa International Hockey Festival in partnership with Canada 150, Hockey Canada and the Ottawa Senators invite Peewee House League (Recreational) teams from across Canada to enter the Canada 150 Rink – “Hockey on the Hill” Contest for a chance to win a trip of a lifetime!

16 boys and 16 girls Peewee House League teams will win the chance to represent their region in Ottawa at this year’s Bell Capital Cup hockey tournament from December 28-31 in a special Canada 150 division on Parliament Hill.

Winning teams as selected from the entries by a panel of judges will receive:

Round-trip travel to/from Ottawa for 11 to 17 rostered players and up to 5 team officials

Accommodations from December 27-30

Transportation while in the nation’s capital

Guaranteed a minimum of three tournament games with a minimum of one game to be played on the Canada 150 rink on Parliament Hill

Commemorative set of Canada 150-OIHF Jerseys

In a short, 30-second video and a brief, 250-word essay, teams must show why they deserve to represent their province, territory or region at this year’s Ottawa International Hockey Festival by displaying creativity, energy and Canadian Spirit.

QUEBEC CITY - Team Alberta opened its 2017 National Women’s U18 Championship with a 4-0 loss to Team Ontario Blue on Wednesday.

Ontario Blue opened the scoring 9:16 into the game, and would add two more in the first period to take a 3-0 lead. After a scoreless second frame, Ontario added one more in the third to make it a 4-0 final.

Team Alberta was just narrowly out-shot by Ontario, 28-26. Camryn Drever stopped 24 of 28 shots, while her counterpart, Erica Fryer, stopped all 26 shots to earn the shutout win.

Forward Rachel Weiss was named Team Alberta’s Player of the Game in the loss.

RED DEER - The Chevrolet Good Deeds Cup is back for another season, and will be awarded to the Peewee team who has the best season off the ice.

The Good Deeds Cup is open to Peewee teams across Canada who give back to their community.

To compete for the Chevrolet Good Deeds Cup, your team will need to make a commitment to off-the-ice improvement by performing at least one good deed in your community. The more impressive the deed, the better your team’s chances of winning will be.

Good deeds can be entered at chevrolethockey.com with a one-minute YouTube video of your team’s deed.

The top ten finalists will be selected, and will be voted on by Canadians. The winner of the Chevrolet Good Deeds Cup will be chosen from the top three vote-getters.

QUEBEC CITY – Team Alberta U18 Female’s quest for gold begins tomorrow (Wednesday), as the 2017 National Women’s U18 Championship kicks off in Quebec City.

Team Alberta opens play on Wednesday morning at 11:00 a.m. against Ontario Blue, followed by a match-up against Ontario Red on Thursday at 2:30 p.m.. Round-robin play wraps up on Friday as Team Alberta takes on Team Atlantic in the early-bird game, which starts at 8:00 a.m.. Semi-final and consolation round games are set for Saturday, with the gold and bronze medal games to be played on Sunday.

OKOTOKS -Hockey Alberta is proud to partner with the Alberta Junior Hockey League and the Okotoks Oilers to present the AJHL Game Day Speaker Series for local coaches on Saturday, November 4.

The Speaker Series features a game-day seminar session, with each session offering a unique professional development opportunity to learn from high profile junior coaches - as well as a chance to catch the Okotoks Oilers in action.

The Seminar will be held at the Pason Centennial Arena in Okotoks. There are only 25 seats available for the seminar, and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is $45 (plus GST) per coach, and includes the following ($200 value):

GRANDE PRAIRIE - Registration is now open for male Bantam players born in 2003-2004 (Bantam A or lower), and female Junior players born 1999-2004 (Senior, College, Midget AAA or lower) to attend Team Alberta North selection camps for the 2018 Arctic Winter Games.Team Alberta North is coming off gold and silver medals at the 2016 Arctic Winter Games in the Bantam Male and Junior Female categories, respectively.

The 2018 Arctic Winter Games are set for March 17-24 in Fort Smith and Hay River, Northwest Territories.

Male selection camp runs December 8-10 in High Prairie, while Female selection camp runs January 5-7 in Slave Lake.

CALGARY - Team Alberta narrowly missed out on another gold medal at the WHL Cup, falling 4-3 to Team BC in overtime on Sunday.

Alberta opened up the scoring once again, with Kaiden Guhle scoring his fifth goal of the tournament on the power-play halfway through the first, with Connor McLennon adding to the lead midway through the second.

BC answered back minutes later on the power-play, before scoring again late in the second period and early in the third to take a 3-2.

McClennon scored his sixth, and most important goal of the tournament on the power-play with just 1:44 left to tie the game, and force overtime.

It was the second straight year the WHL Cup would be decided in overtime between Alberta and BC, but this time it was BC who sealed the victory, as Ben King scored 2:37 into the extra frame.

In his second start of the tournament for Team Alberta, Sebastian Cossa saw 31 shots come his way, allowing four goals. His counterpart, Dylan Garand, stopped 24 of Alberta;s 27 shots in the victory.

Kyle Crnkovic added to his tournament-leading points total with two assists in the game, giving him a total of 12 in five games. Assists were also tallied by Jake Neighbours (2) and Guhle.

CALGARY - Team Alberta will be going for gold at the 2017 WHL Cup on Sunday, following a 7-1 defeat of Team Manitoba in the first of two semi-final games on Saturday.

Kyle Crnkovic continued his strong play for Team Alberta, scoring two goals, including the game winner, along with an assist to give him 10 points in four games at the WHL Cup. Crnkovic was named Alberta’s Player of the Game for his efforts.

Ridly Greig opened the scoring less than five minutes into the game, with Crnkovic giving Alberta a 2-0 less than 5 minutes later. Seth Jarvis cut the lead in half moments later, scoring Mantitoba’s lone goal.

After that, it as all Team Alberta, with five unanswered goals from Connor McClennon, Joel Sexsmith, Kaiden Guhle, Jordan Borysiuk and Crnkovic.

Alberta heavily out-shot Manitoba 50-18, and chased starting goaltender Nikulas Jerris just 12:45 into the first period, who allowed three goals on 11 shots. Dante Giannuzzi allowed four goals on 39 shots in relief.

Garin Bjorklund stopped all but one of the 18 shots sent his way for Alberta, earning his third win of the tournament.

Alberta will battle for the WHL Cup title in the gold medal game at 1 p.m. Sunday afternoon at the Markin MacPhail Centre (Winsport) in Calgary. It’s a rematch of last year’s gold medal game, as B.C. defeated Saskatchewan 7-0 in the other semi-final matchup on Saturday. The bronze medal game is set for 9:30 a.m. on Sunday between Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

For more stats, schedule and ticket information for the WHL Cup, click here.

CALGARY - Team Alberta jumped out to a 4-1 lead in the second period, and then held off Team Manitoba for a 4-3 victory in the final round-robin game at the 2017 WHL Cup in Calgary.

With the victory, Team Alberta heads into Saturday’s semi-final action as the top seed with an unblemished record of three wins.

But there is not much rest either team, as Alberta and Manitoba square off in a rematch at 1 pm in the first semi-final at the Markin MacPhail Centre at Winsport.

Brayden Morrison scored what proved to be the game-winner at the 16:31 mark of the second period. Manitoba scored 35 seconds later, and added one more in the third period, but Alberta held on for the victory.

CALGARY - Team Alberta moved to 2-0 at the 2017 WHL Cup with a 6-2 win over Team BC on Thursday night.

After opening the tournament with an 8-3 win over Team Saskatchewan, Alberta’s offence showed no signs of slowing down against BC.

Connor McLennon opened the scoring for Alberta with his second goal of the tournament, and Kaiden Guhle gave Alberta a 2-0 lead heading into the second period with his third goal in two games.

McClennon added his second goal of the game and third overall early into the second period for his second-straight game winning goal, and added an assist en-route to being named Team Alberta’s Player of the Game.

Team BC got one back moments later, but Alberta answered with three straight goals, before BC notched another goal to make it a 6-2 final.

Kyle Crnkovic also had a big night for Alberta, scoring a goal and adding three assists, giving him five points through two games.

Alberta had the slight edge in shots, out-shooting BC 29-28. Sebastian Cossa made 26 stops for Team Alberta to earn his first win of the tournament.

Team Alberta (2-2) closes out round-robin play on Friday night against Team Manitoba (1-1), and can clinch first place with a win. Game time is 6:30 p.m. at the Markin MacPhail Centre at Winsport in Calgary.

For more stats, schedule and ticket information for the WHL Cup, click here.

CALGARY – Team Alberta U16 Male opened its 2017 WHL Cup with a bang, defeating Team Saskatchewan 8-3 on Wednesday night.

Ridly Greig opened the scoring for Team Alberta, who took a 1-0 lead into the second period, and a 4-2 lead into the third before scoring four straight goals. Saskatchewan added a goal late to make it an 8-3 final.

Forward Noah Boyko led the way offensively for Alberta with a goal and two assists, while defender Kaiden Guhle added two goals from the backend.

With one assist, Captain Jake Neighbours earned Player of the Game honours for Alberta.

Alberta out-shot Saskatchewan 39-17, with goaltenders Gjarin Bjorklund and Sebastian Cossa splitting time. Bjorklund earned the win, stopping seven of eight shots sent his way, while Cossa allowed two goals on nine shots in the second half of the game.

CALGARY – The title defense is on for Team Alberta U16 Male, as the 2017 WHL Cup (formerly the Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup) begins today in Calgary.

Team Manitoba and Team B.C. kick off the tournament this afternoon (Wednesday) at 3 pm, while Team Alberta’s quest for gold begins tonight at 6:30 pm against Team Saskatchewan. Team Alberta also hits the ice again Thursday night against Team BC, and wraps up round-robin play Friday night against Manitoba. All three Team Alberta games are set for 6:30 p.m. at the Markin MacPhail Centre at WinSport.

Following round-robin play, the 1st and 4th place teams and the 2nd and 3rd place teams will battle in the semi-finals on Saturday afternoon, with the bronze and gold medal games set for 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, respectively.

The WHL Cup will feature some of the top players in the under-16 age category from the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The four-team round robin tournament is the first step in Hockey Canada’s Program of Excellence for players.

The majority of players participating in the event were selected in the 2017 WHL Bantam Draft or have since been listed by WHL Clubs. The WHL Cup is made possible through financial support provided by the WHL and Hockey Canada.

RED DEER - A unique learning opportunity is now open for minor hockey coaches with Hockey Alberta’s WHL Game Day Coach Series.

This exciting partnership between Hockey Alberta and the Alberta Western Hockey League teams will offer nine different seminars between October and February, giving coaches the chance to learn from some of the top coaches in the game.

Each seminar costs $45 per coach, and include the following ($200 value):

Coaches will have the opportunity to hear the both the home and visiting Head Coaches speak before and after each game. Additionally, Hockey Alberta’s Provincial Coach Mentor, Fran Gow, will provide professional development for coaches before each game on a variety of topics, listed by the dates and locations below:

The U18 squad will play a pair of exhibition games on Saturday, October 14 and Sunday, October 15 at the Edge School in Calgary (33055 Township Road 250). Saturday’s game is at 4:00 p.m. against the Bantam AAA Calgary Royals, and Sunday’s game is at 11:15 a.m. against the Bantam AAA Calgary Bisons.

Team Alberta U18 Female heads to Quebec in just under a month for the U18 Nationals, which run November 1-5.

On Monday, October 16th, Team Alberta U16 Male will take on Canada’s National Women’s Team in a special-teams exhibition game, as a final tune-up ahead of the WHL Cup. Game time is at 7:00 p.m. at the Markin MacPhail Centre (Winsport).

The WHL Cup runs October 18-22 at the Markin MacPhail Centre. For schedule and ticket information, click here.

All three exhibition games are open to the public, and are free to attend.

Hockey Alberta’s Provincial Championships are some of the most exciting and high-profile events in which Hockey Alberta’s membership takes part each season, bringing together the top teams from across the province in each category.

The 2018 Provincial Championships will be held March 15-18, March 22-25 and March 29-April 1, in each of the respective categories.

The bid guidelines document outlines the requirements involved, and the opportunities available, for a Minor Hockey Association interested in submitting a bid to host a Hockey Alberta Provincial Championship event.

The deadline to submit a bid to host Provincial Championships is November 15.

RED DEER - A unique opportunity is available for aspiring female coaches to attend a females-only coach clinic in Red Deer this winter.

The We Are Coaches clinic runs from 8:15 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the Kin City Arena in Red Deer on December 2. The clinic includes an in-class session in the morning, and an on-ice session after lunch.

The program is free of charge. Attendees will need to bring their skates, gloves, stick and helmet, as well as their own lunch.

To register, or for more information, click the "Register" button below:

Upon completion of the Coach 2 - Coach Level course AND the HU-ONLINE Coach 1/2 one will achieve “TRAINED” status. There is no post-task associated with the Coach 2 – Coach Level Course to achieve “CERTIFIED”.

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta is now accepting nominations for Coach of the Month for the 2017-18 minor hockey season!

Coaches are an integral part of minor hockey and their countless hours and dedication provide the opportunity for over 60,000 kids in Alberta to play hockey. Help us recognize a coach in your community by nominating him or her for the Hockey Alberta Coach of the Month!

The U16 Male squad won the 2016 Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup. The team will seek to continue Alberta’s success at the event, Oct. 18-22 at the Markin MacPhail Centre (WinSport) in Calgary.

"We’re heading into the WHL Cup with a very talented group of players,” said Team Alberta Manager Mike Kraichy. “These 20 young men have earned the right to represent their province, and we’re confident in their ability to compete hard at the competition, and make Alberta proud."

The 2017 WHL Cup will feature the highest-rated players in the under-16 age category from the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The four-team round robin tournament is the first step in Hockey Canada’s Program of Excellence for players.

The majority of players participating in the event were selected in the 2017 WHL Bantam Draft or have since been listed by WHL Clubs. The WHL Cup is made possible through financial support provided by the WHL and Hockey Canada.

"We saw a very talented group of individuals during this year’s Team Alberta selection process,” said Coordinator of Team Alberta Female, Mathieu Provencher. “We’re confident in the 20 players we’ve selected to represent their province, and look forward to seeing what they can do on the ice in November."

Prior to the Nationals, the U18 Female squad will play two exhibitions game in Calgary on Saturday, Oct. 14 at 4:00 p.m. against the Bantam AAA Calgary Royals, and Sunday, October 15 at 11:15 a.m. against the Bantam AAA Calgary Bisons. Both games will be played at the Edge School for Athletes, 33055 Township Road 250 in Calgary.

The National Championship event brings together the top U18 female players from across Canada in an eight-team tournament, featuring teams from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario (Red and Blue), Quebec and Atlantic.

For schedule and ticket information for the National Women’s U18 Championships, click here.

The Lloydminster PWM Steelers are at home against the Edmonton Pandas, the Rocky Mountain Raiders are set to host the Red Deer Sutter Fund Chiefs, and the Calgary Fire pay a visit to the St. Albert Slash.

Fred Horbay and David Sevalrud are the outgoing members of the Board. Engen presented each with a farewell gift from Hockey Alberta, and thanked them for their years of service to the organization, and the perspectives and challenging questions that each brought to discussions around the Board table.

From left: Rob Litwinski, Fred Horbay, and Terry Engen

From left: Rob Litwinski, Dave Sevelrud, and Terry Engen

In other business at the AGM, Notices of Motion were approved to expand the Board of Directors to nine members, and to shift the Finance Director position from an elected position to one that is appointed annually. As a result, the 2018 AGM will have three Directors-at-Large positions up for election.

Doug Kinsella was recognized with 2017 Chair of the Board award, presented by Terry Engen. Kinsella led the process that resulted in the creation of CR Knights through the merger of the Calahoo and Riviere Qui Barre minor associations. Kinsella is currently the Past President of the CR Minor Hockey Association.

RED DEER - The power of sport was at the forefront as Catriona Le May Doan delivered the keynote address to kick off Hockey Alberta’s 2017 Hockey Conference and Annual General Meeting on Friday night at the Sheraton Hotel.

The two-time Olympic gold medalist, and Olympic bronze medalist, shared stories of her journey, and the path that took her to the highest level of success an athlete can achieve.

"Those medals represent about two-and-a-half minutes of a 23-year journey. To me, success is about that entire journey," Le May Doan said of her three Olympic medals, which she brought with her to pass around the crowd. "The reason I was successful was because I didn’t burn out mentally.

Le May Doan also stressed the importance of being a multi-sport athlete, and focused on several examples of successful multi-sport athletes.

"It’s our duty to say, in hockey, and in all sports, ’what else do you do?’" she said.

She also told the 150 people in attendance it’s their job to ensure kids don’t get burnt out mentally, and to make sure they’re still having fun.

Le May Doan closed her keynote address by reinforcing her believe of the power of sport, saying "not everyone likes change, but when you put the athletes first, and you embrace sport for life, change is the right thing. Sport has the ability the change lives, and to change lives for good."

2017 Hockey Alberta Awards

Following the keynote address, seven individuals and four minor hockey associations were recognized for their outstanding contributions to hockey in Alberta, as the 2017 Hockey Alberta Awards, sponsored by BFL Canada, were presented.

The Team Alberta North program (Bantam male team and Junior female team) is a Hockey Alberta development program unique to Northern Alberta. It provides eligible players and coaches an equal opportunity to discover the great qualities of competitive hockey in a well-organized and fair selection camp and team competition.

The Team Alberta North Male Selection Camp runs December 8-10 in High Prairie, while the Female Selection Camp runs January 5-7 in Slave Lake. Selection camp registration will open in October.

RED DEER - As we begin the 2017-18 season, Hockey Alberta would like to remind all its Members to be vigilant when it comes to the potential for email scams targeting not-for-profit organizations, including minor hockey associations.

Hockey Alberta is already aware of at least one scam attempt involving a Local Minor Hockey Association, so we want our Members to ensure you are exercising caution when managing the financial aspects of your organization.

Some characteristics of these emails include:

A request for you to transfer of funds into another account or to pay an invoice by transferring money into an

A sense of urgency for you to make the

The appearance that the request is coming from the “president” or “vice president” of your organization. The scammers are able to do this by changing display name in their email to one that would appear to be from a legitimate source within your

Please ensure that you are taking all necessary precautions and exercising due diligence when any financial requests are received via email, including:

Check the actual email address from which the request is coming. This can be done by hitting the REPLY TO button on the email which should show the actual originating address of the

Ensure your Board of Directors is up to date on all financial procedures for your organization.

Ensure your Board members are aware of the potential for fraud to occur; and

TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS. If the request doesn’t seem “right”, check it out before you pay.

Should you be solicited by one of these scams please contact your local police detachment. For more information on fraud and scams please consult:

The keynote address by Le May Doan will kick off two days of sessions and discussions for members of the amateur hockey community in Alberta focused on the benefits of being a multi-sport athlete, and the role it plays in long-term player development.

In addition to being a busy hockey mom, Le May Doan currently works with Sport Calgary, helping to advance amateur sport in the City. The retired Olympian has also served as a board member with Winsport, as well as the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Winter Olympics, and is still actively involved in many other charity organizations. As an athlete, she won back-to-back gold medals in the 500 metre speed skating event in 1998 and 2002. As a speed skater, Le May Doan broke 13 world records, and won the Lou Marsh Award as Canada’s Athlete of the Year in 2002, and won the Bobbie Rosenfeld Award as the Canadian Female Athlete of the Year three times.

Off the ice, Le May Doan has covered five Olympic Games, and co-hosted the primetime show Countdown to Beijing. She was given three honourary degrees, and was inducted in Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame and the Canadian Olympic Committee’s Sports Hall of Fame, and was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada - one of Canada’s highest honours. She was one of four athletes to light the cauldron at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

As a busy sport parent and active coach, Le May Doan understands firsthand the challenges that Minor Hockey Associations face when it comes to competition within the sport and encouraging athletes to participate in other sports.

The 2017 Hockey Conference and AGM runs September 29-30 at the Sheraton Hotel in Red Deer. Registration for delegates is now open.

Hockey Alberta’s Hockey Conference provides the opportunity for member Minor Hockey Associations, Senior and Junior Club teams, Sport Schools, league administrators, and other hockey industry people, coaches, parents and officials to participate in interactive sessions targeted at some of the hottest topics in the game today.

A full schedule for the Hockey Conference and AGM will be available in the coming weeks.

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta is hosting a Tradeshow on Friday, September 29 in conjunction with the 2017 Hockey Conference and Annual General meeting. The Tradeshow will take place from 9:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.

The goal for this tradeshow is to introduce Hockey Alberta members to high-quality, reputable vendors and businesses that can contribute to the success of their hockey season. As a vendor, this is an invaluable opportunity to showcase your brand, products, and services to Hockey Alberta’s membership.

Registrations from business and vendors are now being accepted. If your business would like to be a part of the 2017 Tradeshow, please contact Victoria Hofferd at vhofferd@hockeyalberta.ca.

In addition to local events, the centrepiece of the weekend for Canadians, as it has been for the past four years, is the Long Game, which brings together players in every province and territory for Red and White bragging rights in five age groups – Atom, Peewee, Bantam, Midget and Senior.

For the second straight year, Edmonton will host the Alberta leg of the Long Game, capped off with a game between the Knights of Columbus Midget AAA team and the National Women’s Team.

For more information on World Girls’ Hockey Weekend, to find out what’s happening in your area or to follow along with the Long Game, click here.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

For the celebration to be heard around the world, you can spread the word on social media! Share your story, and your pictures!

To join the conversation, use and follow the hashtags: #LongGame and #WGIHW

The Speaker Series features a game-day seminar session, with each session offering a unique professional development opportunity to learn from high profile junior coaches - as well as a chance to catch the Lloydminster Bobcats in action.

The Seminar will be held at the Centennial Civic Centre Auditorium. There are only 45 seats available for the seminar, and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is $45 (plus GST) per coach, and includes the following ($200 value):

Presentation from Hockey Alberta led by Coach Mentor Fran Gow on Creating Offense.

RED DEER - Registration is now open for Hockey Alberta’s 2017 Hockey Conference and Annual General Meeting on September 29-30 in Red Deer.

The 2017 Hockey Conference provides opportunities for member Minor Hockey Associations, Senior and Junior Club Teams, Sport Schools, League Administrators, and other hockey industry people, coaches, parents, and officials to participate in interactive sessions targeted at some of the hottest topics in the game today.

The conference includes guest speakers, presentations, panel discussions and workshops involving people from all different aspects of sport. The weekend also includes an Awards Luncheon and the Annual General Meeting.

The Speaker Series, which was first offered in February in Grande Prairie, features a game-day seminar session, with each session offering a unique professional development opportunity to learn from high profile junior coaches - as well as a chance to catch the Grande Prairie Storm in action.

The Seminar will be held at Revolution Place in Grande Prairie. There are only 20 seats available for the seminar, and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is $45 (plus GST) per coach, and includes the following ($200 value):

RED DEER - Twenty-nine female hockey players born in 2000 & 2001 have taken the next step in Hockey Alberta’s U18 Female program.

Team Alberta has announced its shortlist roster for the squad that will participate in Hockey Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Championship in Quebec City. The shortlist includes three goaltenders, 9 defence, and 17 forwards.

Players were selected to the shortlist based on their overall play at the Team Alberta U18 spring camp in May, and at the Provincial Camp in Camrose, July 11-16. Forty-six players were invited to Camrose from the spring camp, and worked through high-intensity on-ice sessions, as well as off-ice training and classroom sessions.

“We were very impressed by all 46 athletes that attended our Provincial Camp in Camrose this year,” said MathieuProvencher, Coordinator of Team Alberta, Female. “We look forward to seeing what the 29 shortlisted athletes can bring to Fall Camp in September as we move closer to the national championships.”

The shortlisted players will attend a fall camp in Edmonton September 29 - October 1, prior to final decisions on the 20 players selected to the Team Alberta roster.

The national championship event, set for November 1-5, brings together the top U18 female players from across Canada in an eight-team tournament that will feature teams from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario (Red and White), Quebec and Atlantic.

Team Alberta has announced its shortlist roster for the squad that will participate in the Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup in the fall. The shortlist includes five goaltenders, 9 defencemen, and 16 forwards.

Players were selected to the shortlist based on their overall play throughout the Team Alberta program performance, and at the U16 Provincial Camp in Camrose, July 4-9. Eighty players were invited to Camrose, and worked through high intensity on-ice sessions, as well as off-ice training and classroom sessions.

“We had a very talented group of players attend Summer Camp this year,” said Mike Kraichy, Manager of Team Alberta. “We are excited to see the final roster for the 2017 Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup begin to take shape as our staff evaluates these 30 players.”

The shortlisted players will be scouted with their club teams in the fall, prior to final decisions on the 20 players selected to the Team Alberta roster. The Challenge Cup brings together the top U16 players from Western Canada with teams representing British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

The camp will focus on individual skill development on and off the ice. On-ice drills focus on skating, puck control, passing and shooting. Off-ice sessions will work on agility, balance, and coordination, following the principles of Hockey Canada’s Long Term Player Development Model. Off-ice sessions will also incorporate other sports, to foster overall athleticism within the LTPD model.

This is a FULL DAY CAMP. This camp will allow parents to drop off players at the rink in the morning and pick them up at the conclusion of each day.

RED DEER - Female hockey is currently one of the fastest growing sports in our province, with close to 8,000 females already participating. Hockey Alberta and our associations are working hard to create new programs to introduce the game to new female hockey players as well as developing our current participants.

Female hockey offers the opportunity for young girls to engage in a healthy, active lifestyle while learning valuable life lessons and developing new friendships that will last after the hockey season ends. Whether your daughter is just starting out or has been playing for a number of years – there are a number of great opportunities for her to become involved in female hockey at the grassroots level.

As the number of female hockey players in Alberta grows, the need for female coaches and officials grows with it. You can join our team as a coach or official, and help inspire the next generation of players in your local association by sharing, your knowledge, skills and memories.

For more information on Minor Female Hockey, and for a list of FAQs, please click here.

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta is pleased to announce its six Regional Goaltending Leads, as part of the Provincial Goaltender Development Plan.

The Goaltending Leads are strategically located around the province, and will work as part of Hockey Alberta’s Regional Centre network. Each Regional Goalie Lead will provide leadership and support to minor hockey associations and Regional Centre Consultants in implementing Hockey Alberta’s Goaltending Development Plan throughout their region.

Derek Purfield

Matt Wong

These goaltending consultants are available for Minor Hockey Associations and teams to aid in the development of goaltenders from the grassroots to elite levels. Our Regional Goaltender Leads can provide:

Instructional Stream: Goaltending Training for Coaches

Try Goalie Events

MHA Goalie Nights

Training to MHA/Team Goaltender Coaches

Practice Integration Skills; Good Habits to including goalies in practices

Support for Teams, Coaches, Goalies and Parents

To work with a Regional Goaltender Lead, or for more information, please contact the appropriate Regional Centre.

All six Goaltending Leads attended Hockey Alberta’s 2017 Development Seminars in Sylvan Lake in June, where they took part in a weekend of training and strategizing on how to carry out Hockey Alberta’s Goaltender Development Plan throughout the Province.

In addition to the Development Seminars, Hockey Alberta held three Goaltender Development Camps in May and June; a North and South Goaltender Camp in Edmonton and Cochrane, and an Elite Goaltender Development Camp in Sylvan Lake.

“Hockey Alberta is excited to launch our new goaltending development plan, as well as enlist passionate volunteers and regional coaches to provide resources for local minor hockey associations to utilize in their day to day goaltender development," said Kendall Newell, Hockey Alberta’s Manager, Female Hockey. "We have only just begun to provide information to our members, coaches, goaltenders and their parents and we are excited to launch more resources in the Fall of 2017.”

With the initial stages of the plan now complete, Hockey Alberta will continue to prepare for full operation of the Provincial Goaltender Development Plan starting in September for the 2017-18 season.

The two-day event offers a unique learning experiences for coaches of all levels from across Alberta, and features coaches from the NHL, WHL, Hockey Canada, CIS, international teams, and other industry experts. Along with presentations, coaches will take part in interactive breakout sessions, a coaches social, and other networking opportunities.

The 2017 Coaches Conference is hosted in conjunction with the Oilers Community Foundation, and will include Edmonton Oilers Assistant Coaches Jay Woodcroft and Ian Herbers, and Oilers Goaltending Coach Dustin Schwartz.

Rob Daum

Fran Gow

CAMROSE – Hockey Alberta’s summer provincial development and evaluation camps begin this week in Camrose and run throughout the month of July.

Some of Alberta’s best hockey talent will be on display at these camps, with more than 200 athletes take part in a variety of on-ice and off-ice development opportunities. All camps are open to the public and take place at the Border Paving Arena at the Camrose Recreation Centre.

The U16 Female Provincial Camp is the second stage of development and identification process that feeds into the Team Alberta U18 Female program. The top 60 players participate in on and off-ice training and classroom sessions, and compete in game environments.

The U16 Male Provincial Camp features the top 80 U16 athletes identified by Hockey Alberta working out in off-ice sessions, as well as on-ice games and practices. From Provincial Camp, a short list will be created, and players scouted with their club teams until the 20-player Team Alberta roster is named for the Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup in Calgary.

The Officials Development Camp runs in conjunction with the U16 Male summer camp, as officials work provincial camp games and receive mentoring and evaluation. This is third stage of development for officials, starting with ATB Alberta Cup zone camps, and progressing to the ATB Alberta Cup competition.

The top 46 U18 female hockey players, selected from a spring camp held in Spruce Grove, take part in a variety of games and practices. After the summer camp, players are shortlisted to continue through a fall training camp and scouting process. From there, the final 20-player Team Alberta roster will be selected for the National Women’s Under 18 Championship in Regina, Saskatchewan November 9-13.

Selected athletes receive both on and off-ice development directed by AJHL/Hockey Alberta staff, and facilitated by the High Performance I Coaching Seminar delegates. The on-ice program will consist of both practice and game sessions, and the off-ice portion will cover athleticism, mental skills and team building as well as the technical and tactical skills required to play in the Alberta Junior Hockey League.

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta is seeking qualified candidates to fill two vacancies on its Board of Directors.

Candidates interested in serving as a Director should have a passion for the sport of hockey. Previous experience on a not-for-profit board and knowledge of the workings of a board from a good governance perspective are preferred. Experience and understanding of the workings of a Provincial Sport Organization is also an asset, but is not required.

The Board of Hockey Alberta operates under a policy governance model. The Board provides oversight and approves the vision and policy framework for the organization to carry out its operations. Operations are delegated to the Chief Executive Officer.

Hockey Alberta is particularly looking for candidates with experience in the areas of Marketing, Public Relations and Lobbying. Candidates will possess some, or all, of the following attributes:

Broad Knowledge of Board Governance

Demonstrated Experience in:

Strategic Planning

Business Planning

Risk Management

Policy Development

Financial Management

Human Resource Management

Marketing/Public Relations

Lobbying

For more information on the Hockey Alberta Board of Director vacancies, and the application process, please click here.

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Brooks Bandits defenceman Cale Makar speaks to the media after being selected in the first round, fourth overall by the Colorado Avalanche (Photo credit: College Hockey Inc.)

RED DEER - It was another solid year for Albertans at the 2017 NHL Entry Draft in Chicago, including a history-making selection in the first round.

Thirteen players from Alberta were taken over the weekend, including Brooks Bandits defenceman Cale Makar, who became the highest drafted player in Alberta Junior Hockey League history when then Colorado Avalanche selected him fourth overall.

Spokane Chiefs forward Jaret-Anderson Dolan was the next Alberta off the board, selected in the second round by the LA Kings. Another AJHL defender, Ian Mitchell of the Spruce Grove Saints, was selected in the second round as well, taken 57th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks.

A pair of Albertan netminders also heard their names called on Saturday, as the Lethbridge Hurricane’s Stuart Skinner was selected in the third round by his hometown Edmonton Oilers, and Price Albert Raider Ian Scott was taken in the fourth round by the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Hockey Canada announced today (Thursday) that the Brooks Bandits of the Alberta Junior Hockey League will host the 49th edition of Canada’s National Junior A Championship May 11-19, 2019 at the Centennial Regional Arena.

“Hockey Alberta is excited to have this prestigious event return to Alberta. We are always proud of how our Alberta host communities raise the bar when it comes to hosting a major event and welcoming teams from across the country,” said Rob Litwinski, CEO, Hockey Alberta. “We look forward to working with Hockey Canada and the Alberta Junior Hockey League to provide support for the Brooks Bandits and their host committee to make the 2019 RBC Cup a successful event.”

This will be the third time in the span of 10 years the RBC Cup will be hosted in Alberta (Lloydminster in 2016, Camrose in 2011), and the seventh time in tournament history (Grande Prairie in 2004, FortMcMurray in 2000, Olds in 1994, and Edmonton in 1975).

The 2019 RBC Cup will bring together the top Junior A teams from across the country, along with the host Bandits, to face off for the national championship. Historically, the event has generated more than $2 million in local economic impact, with event proceeds being directed to supporting hockey development in the community.

“We are immensely grateful to Hockey Canada for the opportunity to showcase our community’s passion for Junior A hockey on the national stage, and to the local businesses, government, and organizations that helped to support our bid and make this event possible,” said Tyler King, chair of the bid committee and Bandits communications manager. “We are already looking forward to the next two years of preparation to ensure an unforgettable national championship."

Having previously captured Canada’s National Junior A Championship in 2013 in Summerside, P.E.I., the Bandits also appeared at the RBC Cup in 2016 and 2017 and will look to carry momentum from their runner-up finish at this year’s championship in Cobourg, Ont.

Tournament ticket packages are tentatively scheduled to go on sale in May 2018 and season ticket holders will be given the first opportunity to reserve seats for the tournament.

Schedule information for the 2019 RBC Cup will be announced at a later date.

RED DEER - Hockey Canada has adopted a policy requiring Initiation level hockey be played on cross-ice or half-ice surfaces. To help our Minor Hockey Associations facilitate this requirement, Hockey Alberta is providing an opportunity for MHAs to purchase ice dividers at a discounted price, if there is sufficient interest. Any MHA in Alberta is eligible to participate.

The approximate cost for the ice dividers will be:

Foam Rink Dividers – $1,650 + shipping and GST

Hard Board Rink Dividers – $6,800 + shipping and GST

If your MHA would like to participate, please complete the online registration form by July 5, 2017. Once the deadline passes, Hockey Alberta will decide on whether to move forward and will confirm with all MHAs who expressed interest.

To access the online submission form, or if you have any questions about the submission process or the status of your application, please contact Melissa Drake in the Hockey Alberta Office by email at mdrake@hockeyalberta.ca or phone 403-967-0064.

Do you have a child aged 6-10 that is ready to fall in love with hockey? Registration is now open for the 2017-18 Canadian Tire First Shift program.

The First Shift is a truly unique experience designed to help your child fall in love with hockey before you buy all the gear. The six-week learn to play program focuses on having fun while learning basic skills. Registration is just $199, which includes full head-to-toe equipment.

The First Shift will be offered in eight locations throughout Alberta in the fall, and two in the winter:

The First Shift’s mission is to change the way hockey is offered, to inspire new families to join our community and enroll their kids in our sport. Because we believe in all that hockey has to offer kids, their families and our communities, we designed The First Shift to break down barriers to entry by offering a program that is accessible, affordable, and most importantly, fun!

RED DEER - Forty-six female hockey players are now one step closer to skating for Team Alberta at the 2017 National Women’s Under 18 Championship in Quebec.

Hockey Alberta has extended invitations to 46 athletes born in 2000-2002 to compete at Team Alberta’s U18 Female Summer Development Camp, which runs July 11-16 in Camrose. The list includes six goalies, 16 defense, and 24 forwards.

“Team Alberta would like to congratulate the 46 athletes selected to attend Summer Camp in Camrose,” said MathieuProvencher, Coordinator of Team Alberta, Female. "We’re looking forward to seeing how the players perform and compete during the week-long camp."

The 46 athletes were selected from 88 who attended the spring selection camp in Spruce Grove, which included fitness testing, mental skills preparations, on and off- ice skills sessions, and several games.

From the camp in Camrose, a shortlist will be established, with those players invited to another selection camp in the fall. Team Alberta will compete at the 2017 National Women’s Under 18 Championship November 1-5 in Quebec City.

Hockey Alberta has 17 established, standing operational committees that help to administer the game of hockey throughout the season. The volunteers on the committees provide service to member MHAs and Club Teams, interpret regulations and contribute to discussions about future changes to the game.

All Hockey Alberta Operational Committee Chair positions are appointed for two year terms while Coordinator and Committee Delegate positions are each appointed annually. Detailed information about each of these positions is linked below.

Anyone interested in a particular role should fill out the Volunteer Application Form and submit via email to info@hockeyalberta.ca.

SPRUCE GROVE - The next step in the Team Alberta U18 Female selection process is underway, as 88 of the top 2000, 2001 and 2002-born female hockey players come together in Spruce Grove for the 2017 Spring Selection Camp.

Players are invited to the camp based on previous Team Alberta programs, as well as scouting of players through their Midget club teams. The camp is a four-day test of fitness, skill and mental preparedness.

The 2017 Spring Selection Camp runs through to Sunday at the Tri-Leisure Centre in Spruce Grove.

From the Spring Selection Camp, 46 athletes are invited to attend the week-long Team Alberta Program U18 Provincial Summer Selection Camp in July. Players participate in high intensity on and off-ice training as well as classroom sessions and fitness testing.

The 2017 Summer Selection Camp will be held July 11-16 in Camrose.

After the provincial camp, a shortlist of players are identified to continue through a fall training camp and scouting process. The fall camp will include on and off-ice sessions, and some exhibition games. From there, the Team Alberta coaching staff announce the final 20-player roster.

The 2017 National Women’s Under-18 Hockey Championship will be held November 1-5 in Quebec City.

The male list includes eight goalies, 24 defence, and 48 forwards. The selection process is based on the Team Alberta scouting process throughout the 2016-17 season, as well as the 2017 Alberta Cup in Canmore in April. From the camp in Camrose, a shortlist will be established, with those players scouted with their club teams until the 20 players who will comprise the roster for Team Alberta are named in the fall.

"We have a very talented group coming to Camrose for Summer Camp," said Mike Kraichy, Manager of Team Alberta. "We’re looking forward to seeing these players elevate their game for a chance to compete at the 2017 Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup."

The female invitees include nine goalies, 18 defence, and 36 forwards. Players were scouted by Team Alberta staff at the 2017 Alberta Challenge in Olds in May. This group of athletes is eligible to compete at the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer as part of the Team Alberta U18 Female squad.

"We’re very happy with the list of players we’ve invited to our U16 Summer Camp this year," said Mathieu Provencher, Coordinator of Team Alberta Female. "These athletes are the future of our U18 program, and have a chance to make a good impression as we move towards the 2019 Canada Winter Games."

LETHBRIDGE – After a slow start to the tournament, South Black defeated North Grey 4-1 to capture the 2017 Peewee Prospects Cup.

South Black and North Grey both lost their first games of the week, but both rebounded to finish second in their respective pools, and won their semi-final games to earn a berth in the championship final.

It’s an extra-special victory for South Black Captain Liam Watkins and teammate Gavin Schmidt, as their older brothers Lucas and Hayden won the Alberta Cup with Team South just two weeks prior.

LETHBRIDGE - Day two of the 2017 Peewee Prospects Cup marked the end of round-robin play, with Capital Green, North Grey, Calgary White and South Black advancing to the semi-finals.

In their lone games of the day, Pool B wrapped up with Calgary White clinching first place after a 5-2 win over Capital Orange. A 6-1 victory over North Blue gave South Black the same 1-1-1 record as Capital Orange, but South Black finished second in Pool B by virtue of a tie-breaker.

Capital Green won both games against South Yellow and Calgary Red to as the lone undefeated team, landing in first place in Pool A. North Grey earned a berth in the semi-finals as well, winning both games against Calgary Red and South Yellow to finish second.

Capital Green and South Black will battle in the first semi-final of the day at 1:00 p.m., with North Grey and Calgary White to follow at 3:30. Capital Orange and Calgary South play in the C final at 6:00 p.m., and the D final between North Blue and Calgary Red goes at 8:30 p.m.

LETHBRIDGE - After the first six games of the 2017 Peewee Prospects Cup, six of eight teams came away with points.

Capital Orange sits atop Pool B after winning its first game of the day against North Blue 6-2, and tied 5-5 against South Black, who lost the first game of the day 5-2 to Calgary White. North Blue edged Calgary White 4-3, giving all four teams in Pool B at least one point.

Meanwhile, in Pool A, Capital Green and South Yellow won their lone games of the day, defeating North Grey 2-1 and Calgary South 6-4, respectively.

Day two of the Peewee Prospects Cup kicks off at 8:30 a.m. with a battle between North Grey and Calgary South.

LETHBRIDGE - Southern Alberta is set to host 160 of the top 2004-born male hockey players in Alberta, as the 2017 Peewee Prospects Cup gets underway in Lethbridge.

Eight teams will go head-to-head at the Nicolas Sheran Arena from Thursday to Sunday. The teams include Calgary Red, Calgary White, Capital Green, Capital Orange, South Black, South Yellow, North Grey, and North Blue.

The teams will play in a four-day, tournament-format competition.Team rosters can be found here, and full tournament results will be displayed here. You can also follow along with the action on Twitter.

The Hockey Alberta Peewee Prospects Cup program is the start of the Hockey Alberta Development program and is held in alternate years with the Alberta Winter Games. The event provides second-year peewee athletes, along with coaches, trainers and administrators, an opportunity to discover the qualities of competitive hockey in a well-organized regional camp and select team competition. Male 2004-born athletes are eligible for the 2017 Peewee Prospects Cup.

The Peewee Prospects Cup begins with four regional camps designed to allow athletes, coaches and trainers to show their skills and receive top-level instruction and evaluation. The top 40 athletes from each regional camp (two teams from each camp), four coaches, two coach mentors and two directors of operations are selected to participate in the competition.

OLDS - South Black went wire-to-wire as the tournament’s top team to win the 2017 Alberta Challenge.

South Black went undefeated (4-0-1) through the tournament, and clinched the Alberta Challenge with a 1-0 win over South White.

This is a special win for South Black’s DOP Val Alexander, who’s daughter Cylenna won the last Alberta Challenge as DOP with the North Predators in 2015. Alexander was also in competition with daughter Channia this weekend, who served as DOP for the North Grey team.

South Green claimed bronze earlier in the day. A couple of second period goals saw them defeat the third place ranked South Yellow by a score of 2-1.

Earlier in the day North Blue defeated North Grey by a score of 3-1 to claim fifth place in the tournment.

2017 is the first year the Alberta Challenge has been held in Olds. The next Alberta Challenge will take place in 2019.

Forward

OLDS - The final match-ups are set. South Black and South White will go head-to-head in the 2017 Alberta Challenge final on Sunday.

South Black emerged the front runner following round-robin play, finishing three days of competition with three wins and one tie. Tiebreaker determined South Black’s competition in the final would be South White.

North Yellow and South Green will play in Sunday’s Bronze game. North Yellow, finishing round-robin play with two wins, South Green finishing with one win.

North Blue and North Grey will play the first game of Sunday, for fifth place, each finishing with one win.

OLDS - After another busy day of hockey at the 2017 Alberta Challenge, round robin play continued with each team competing in two games during the day.

After completing three games each, South Black and North Yellow are both 2-0-1 and, with five points a piece, and finish day two on top of team standings.

South Green finished the day with one win and one tie while South White finished the day with one loss and one tie. These results, combined with yesterday’s stats, these teams are now both tied for second place with three points each.

North Blue and North Grey squared off in the final game of the day with North Blue winning by a score of 3-0, climbing within one point of the teams tied for second place.

Saturday kicks off with South White and North Yellow playing at 10:00 am, followed by North Grey and South Green facing off at 12:15 pm. The final game of round robin play will commence at 2:30 pm between South Black and North Blue.

OLDS – For 120 female athletes from across Alberta, the next several days of competition will mark a significant milestone in their young hockey careers.

These athletes, born in 2002-03, have been named to the rosters of the six teams that will compete in Hockey Alberta’s 2017 Alberta Challenge, May 4-7 at the Olds Sportsplex.

The Alberta Challenge is held alternating years when the Alberta Winter Games are not held, with three teams selected to represent the North, and three to represent the South. The players were selected from approximately 300 who attended regional camps held April 7-9 and April 14-16. Twenty athletes comprise each roster, along with volunteers serving as head coach, assistant coaches, coach mentor, trainer, and director of operations. The Challenge is part of the development process for female on-ice officials across the province.

In addition to pursuing the Challenge, the athletes are also vying for 63 spots at the U16 Female Summer Camp in July in Camrose, which is one of the stages in the identification and selection process for the Team Alberta U18 program.

“Spectators in Olds will have the opportunity to see some of the top young female athletes in the province, and will definitely be impressed by their talent,” said Mathieu Provencher, Hockey Alberta Coordinator for Team Alberta Female. “For the players, the Alberta Challenge is a great opportunity to measure themselves against others in the province, as well as receive instruction from elite caliber coaches.”

The teams play a modified round-robin competition. Preliminary round action gets underway on Thursday at 4 pm, with three games. There will be six games on Friday, starting at 8:30 am, with each team playing twice. On Saturday, preliminary action finishes, with three games, starting at 10 am. On Sunday, the 5th and 6th place teams play at 9:30 am, followed by the 3rd and 4th place teams at 12 noon. The Alberta Challenge champion will be decided starting at 2:30 pm.

There is also a banquet on Saturday night at the Pomeroy Inn and Suites at Olds College.

CANMORE - Team South went wire-to-wire as the tournament’s top team to win the 2017 Alberta Cup.

South went undefeated (4-0-1) through the tournament, and clinched the Alberta Cup with a 5-1 win over Northwest.

It’s the second straight win with two different teams for South Head Coach Jamie Steer. Steer won the 2016 Alberta Cup with Calgary South, exactly 30 years after he won the very first Alberta Cup as a player with the same team.

Defending champion Calgary South still earned a spot in the top three this year, as a quick two-goal outburst late in the third and two empty-netters gave them a 6-2 victory over Edmonton Yellow in the B Final.

Team South finished third in the tournament, beating Calgary North 4-1 in the B Final. Earlier in the day, Northeast used a five-goal third period to defeat Central 6-1 in the C Final, while Edmonton Blue broke a 4-4 tie with 40 seconds left in the game for a 6-4 win over Calgary North in the D Final.

2017 is the third and final year of the Alberta Cup in Canmore. Spruce Grove will host the Alberta Cup in 2018.

Forward

All-Star Official

CANMORE - The final match-ups are set, and Team Northwest and Team South will go head-to-head in the 2017 Alberta Cup final on Sunday.

There will be no three-peat for Calgary South, as Northwest punched their ticket to the final with a decisive 9-3 win in the first semi-final game, while South edged Edmonton Yellow 2-1 to close out the day. Calgary South and Edmonton Yellow will play in the B Final.

Earlier in the day, Central and Northeast secured spots in the C Final, while Edmonton Blue and Calgary North will square off in the D Final.

CANMORE - After another busy day of hockey at the 2017 Alberta Cup, round-robin play wrapped-up, and the standings are now set heading into Saturday.

After going undefeated (2-0-1) through round-robin play, South locked up first in Pool A. Northwest claimed the other semi-final spot, finishing 1-1-1, while Calgary North and Edmonton Blue finished third and fourth, respectively.

With a pair of wins on Friday, Calgary South rebounded from a Day 1 loss to finish at the top of Pool B. Edmonton Yellow also finished with two wins, but finished second as Calgary South won the tie-breaker. Northeast finished in third in Pool B, and Central fourth.

Saturday kicks off with Central and Calgary North playing in the first C/D Semi-Final at 9:00 a.m., and Edmonton Blue and Northeast in the other at 9:30 a.m. Northwest and Calgary South battle in Semi-Final 1 at 11:45 a.m., and Day 3 closes out with the other Semi-Final game between Edmonton Yellow and South at 2:15 p.m.

CANMORE - After a busy first day of the 2017 Alberta Cup in Canmore, six of eight teams came away with points.

South sits on top of Pool A after a tie and a win, with Edmonton Blue and Calgary North just behind with two points each. Northwest earned a single point on the day with a tie and a loss.

In Pool B, Edmonton Yellow and Central each won their only games of the day, defeating Northeast and Calgary South, respectively.

Pool B teams will each play a pair of games on day two, while Pool A teams will each play just one. Round-robin play wraps up after day two, with the top two teams in each pool earning a spot in the Alberta Cup semi-finals.

The teams will play in a four-day, tournament-format competition. The event also features an education seminar hosted by the Western Hockey League (WHL).

Full tournament results will be displayed on the score ticker at the top of both hockeyalberta.ca and abcup.ca. Schedules, stats and standings can also be found at abcup.ca. You can also follow along with the action on Twitter.

The Alberta Cup is the premier event in the province that helps identify the top male players in Alberta. It is well attended by scouts as they prepare for the Western Hockey League’s bantam draft. In addition to player evaluations, the competition is also an opportunity for administrators, coaches, trainers and referees to be evaluated for future positions with the Team Alberta Program.

RED DEER - A unique skill development opportunity is available to 2003-born male hockey players in Alberta, as Hockey Alberta and the Western Hockey League are co-hosting the third annual WHL Skills Camp.

Limited spots are available in the camp, 15 spots for forwards and seven spots for defence. Registration is on a first come, first-served basis.

The camp, for U15 players, is set to run June 9-11, 2017 in Calgary, AB.

The Skills Camp provides athletes with the opportunity to learn from an impressive array of instructors, including instructors from the WHL. Participants will be divided into eight teams for the weekend, and participate in a variety of activities, including:

Friday: Fitness Testing.

Saturday: Team Alberta/WHL presentation, Long Term Player Development sessions, and two skill sessions.

Sunday: one skill session, and the event will wrap up with a game for each team.

The camp will focus on skill development and proper training techniques, and provides athletes with information about the Team Alberta & Canada Winter Games process, as well as information on the WHL, while challenging players to excel on and off the ice.

RED DEER - Alberta is well-represented on the National stage this week, as the St. Albert Slash and Leduc Chrysler Oil Kings compete in the Esso Cup and Telus Cup, respectively.

The St. Albert Slash (Midget Female AAA) of the Alberta Female Hockey League are representing the Pacific region at the tournament, and are already off to a hot start. The Slash opened the Esso Cup Sunday afternoon in Morden, MB with a 6-0 win over Mid-Isle Wildcats, who are representing the Atlantic.

The Leduc Chrysler Oil Kings kick off their quest for the Telus Cup tonight against the host Cariboo Cougars in Prince George, BC. The Oil Kings earned the right to represent the Pacific region after winning the Midget AAA Provincial Championship. With their opponent in the Pacific Regional Championships being the Cariboo Cougars, the Oil Kings automatically advanced to the Telus Cup.

RED DEER - Alberta males born in 2004 have the unique opportunity to participate in the second annual Hockey Alberta Peewee Skills Camp, hosted by the Team Alberta program.

The camp takes place in Calgary at the Don Hartman Sportsplex on June 23-25. This Skills Camp will focus on skill development, checking skills, proper training techniques, and will provide athletes with information about the Team Alberta process.

The camp will consist of three sessions:

Checking Development

Position Specific training

Goal Scoring and Hockey Sense

The camp also includes a Team Alberta/Alberta Built presentation, a Long-Term Player Development Session, and will wrap-up with a full three-period game. Goaltenders will also have an on and off ice skills session.

The maximum capacity for the camp is 160 athletes. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Team Alberta U16 Male

Cote just wrapped up his first season coaching in the WHL, serving the 2016-17 campaign as an Assistant Coach with the Prince Albert Raiders. He’s been involved with Hockey Alberta in numerous capacities, and has coached in two Alberta Cups.

Gmitter is currently the Head Coach of the Calgary Midget AAA Royals. This year will mark Gmitter’s third time coaching in the Alberta Cup program, as he’s set to serve as the Head Coach of Team Central at the 2017 Alberta Cup.

Mandolidis is the Head Coach of the Calgary Midget AAA Northstars. Like Gmitter, this is Mandolidis’s third time coaching in the Alberta Cup program, this year as the Head Coach of Calgary South.

Purfield currently works for World Pro Goaltending, and also served as the Goalie Coach for the Okotoks Oilers (AJHL) and University of Lethbridge Pronghorns (CIS) in 2016-17. This will be Purfields third straight year with Team Alberta U16 Male, having previously served as the Goalie Coach for the 2015 and 2016 gold medal-winning teams.

Team Alberta U18 Female

Schols is currently the Female Prep Head Coach at the Northern Alberta Xtreme Hockey Academy, and was also an assistant coach with last year’s Team Alberta U18 team.

Rutz is the Head Coach of the Midget AAA Female Red Deer Sutter Fund Chiefs of the Alberta Female Hockey League. Rutz has previously served as a Head Coach and Mentor in various Team Alberta camps and programs.

Hilworth has been the Head Coach of the Olds College Broncos since 2015. She’s been involved in both the U16 and U18 female programs over the past four years.

Tapp is the Director of Female Development and the Lead Instructor at Top Prospect Goaltending. Tapp is a long-serving member of the Team Alberta U18 coaching staff, having served as the Goalie Coach for the past six years.

Mercedes Eustergerling (Trainer), Brodie St. Jacques (Equipment Manager), Heather Osgood (Strength & Conditioning Coach), and Doug MacLeod (Head Scout) have also been named to the Team Alberta U18 Female staff.

Eustergerling is the Owner and Physiotherapist at Vida Health & Wellness, and has been a Mentor Trainer for various Team Alberta camps and programs over the past three years.

St. Jacques currently serves as the Trainer for the Maple Leaf Athletic Club’s Bantam AAA team. St. Jacques is set to serve as the Trainer for Team North Grey at the 2017 Alberta Challenge.

Osgood is the Fitness Director at Vimy Ridge Academy, and has been a involved with Team Alberta for the past eight years.

MacLeod, a Regional Scout for Hockey Canada’s Women’s Program, is entering his second year with Team Alberta U18 Female, and has previous coaching experience with Team Alberta as well.

About Team Alberta

The U16 Male Program is the third stage of the development and identification process to select a roster for Team Alberta to compete at either the U16 Western Challenge or the Canada Winter Games. The Games are held every four years, with the next event set for 2019 in Red Deer. Players in the U16 Male program will be challenging for the opportunity to compete on one of the three teams that represent Canada each year at the World U17 Hockey Challenge.

The High Performance U18 program works towards identifying the top 20 female players in Alberta, who will comprise Team Alberta U18 representing the province at the National Women’s Under 18 Championship or the Canada Winter Games. Making this team is the pinnacle of female amateur hockey in Alberta, and a major lifetime highlight for the players.

RED DEER – Hockey Alberta and the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) will host an elite development camp in July, looking to expand upon the success of the inaugural event in 2016.

Eighty elite athletes from the Alberta Minor Midget AAA Hockey League (AMMHL) have the opportunity to participate in the AJHL Development Camp presented by Hockey Alberta, July 18-23, at the Edgeworth Centre in Camrose.

Hockey Alberta works with AMMHL coaches on player identification, final player selections and invitations. The camp features 2001-born athletes who played in the AMMHL this year, and who are not currently on the protected list of a Western Hockey League team.

The inaugural edition of the camp proved very successful as 14 players who attended in 2016 were signed to an AJHL White Card or affiliated to an AJHL team during the 2016-17 season. The camp provided an excellent opportunity for AJHL teams to evaluate and interact with the prospects.

“The partnership between Hockey Alberta, the AMMHL and the AJHL has created a unique opportunity to enhance the development of these players and has proven to be an identification camp for our teams in just the first year,” said Fran Gow, AJHL Vice-President of Hockey Operations. “The camp also provides coaches with the option to complete their HP1 Certification and ensures high level instruction for the participants.”

Players participate in on-ice activities that include six practices and four games, and off-ice and classroom sessions. There will be an AJHL presentation for athletes and parents, and at the conclusion of the camp, each player will receive a scout package and evaluation summary.

“This camp provides the unique opportunity for Minor Midget-aged players in Alberta to learn from some of the top coaches, but also to showcase their talents for AJHL teams while they are learning,” said Drew Dixon, Manager of Coach Development for Hockey Alberta. “The fact that 20 per cent of last year’s participants had AJHL experience this season demonstrates the potential not just for individual skill development but also to help players start on their future career paths.”

For more information on the Alberta Junior Hockey League, go to ajhl.ca.

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta is pleased to announce the rosters for the 2017 Alberta Challenge.

Six teams will battle at the Olds Sportsplex May 3-7. The teams include three from the North (North Blue, North Grey, and North Yellow), and three from the South (South Black, South Green, and South White).

Twenty 2002 and 2003-born female athletes comprise each roster, along with volunteers serving as head coach, assistant coaches, trainer, and director of operations. Rosters were selected based on performances at zone camps held April 7-9 in Fort Saskatchewan and April 14-16 in Olds.

Tournament passes for the 2017 Alberta Challenge are now on sale. Passes are $30 (plus admin fee and GST) per adult, or $70 (plus admin fee and GST) for a family tournament pass (maximum of two adults, no limit on children). Day passes can also be purchased at the door (cash only), and are $15 per day.

Tickets for the 2017 Alberta Challenge Banquet are also on sale. Banquet tickets are $30 per adult (plus admin fee and GST), $20 for youth aged 6-12 (plus admin fee and GST), and free for children under 5. The banquet is Saturday, May 6 at the Pomeroy Inn & Suites at Olds College.

ARBORG, MB - The Keystone Cup is on its way back to Alberta, as the Wainwright Bisons defeated the Beaver Valley Nitehawks in overtime to claim the Western Canadian Junior B crown.

Wainwright went undfeated in round-robin play (3-0-2) to punch their ticket to the finals. The Bisons led 3-1 heading into the third period, but the Nitehawks forced overtime with two quick goals to open the final frame. With time ticking down in the first overtime period, Bryce Woodward scored the overtime winner, sealing the championship for the Bisons.

The Keystone Cup win is the first ever for Wainwright, following its first ever Provincial Championship win just two weeks prior. The Bisons are the first Alberta team to win the Keystone Cup since the Blackfalds Wranglers in 2011, and the tenth Alberta team in the tournament’s 35-year history.

RED DEER - Registration is now open for Hockey Alberta’s inaugural Spring Conference.

The Spring Conference takes the place of the traditional Spring Zone Meetings, bringing together representatives from Local MInor Hockey Associations and Minor Leagues, and Hockey Alberta volunteers and staff to review the just-completed season, and focus on planning for the upcoming season. The goal is to provide new and enhanced opportunities to share information as we strive towards a goal of “Leading our Leaders.”

The Spring Conference is a one-day event on the weekend of May 6-7, with two opportunities for attendance. Delegates attend the session that best fits into their schedules. Conference sessions will be held:

Saturday, May 6: Okotoks, Best Western Plus

Sunday, May 7: Fort Saskatchewan, Dow Centennial Centre

Each session will start with check-in from 9:30-10 am, and will include a variety of sessions through until 4 pm. The Conference agenda will include updates from the past season, information about changes for the upcoming season as well as some conference and summit style presentations that will engage MHAs in discussion about the future of minor hockey.

Eight teams will take to the ice at the Nicholas Sheran Arena in Lethbridge on May 10-14, with 160 2004-born players ready to make their first step in the Team Alberta program. Two teams each were formed from Calgary, Edmonton, the North and the South.

Twenty players comprise each roster, along with volunteers serving as head coach, assistant coaches, coach mentor, and director of operations. Rosters were selected based on performances at regional camps held April 6-9 in Stony Plain, Leduc, Olds and Calgary.

The teams will play in a four-day, tournament-format competition. All Peewee Prospects Cup games are open to the public.

Every Kid Every Community Speaker Series

The Hockey Alberta Foundation is excited to announce the next installment in the Every Kid Every Community Speaker Series, set for Saturday, May 13 in Lethbridge, featuring Jamie McLennan, Rob Brown and Jason Strudwick.

The lunch event is in support of the Hockey Alberta Foundation’s Every Kid Every Community Program and the Lethbridge Minor Hockey Association, and will run in conjunction with the Peewee Prospects Cup. The event begins at 11:30 a.m., prior to the Peewee Prospects Cup semi-final games.

Hockey Alberta is undertaking a Participant Satisfaction survey for players who participated in minor hockey during the 2016-17 season. The anonymous survey is designed to give Hockey Alberta a snapshot of the state of the minor hockey system in the province in 2017.

A similar survey was sent out in 2015. The goal is to complete this survey every two years so that Hockey Alberta can track how any strategic changes and initiatives are shifting the overall “level of satisfaction” of the participants as Hockey Alberta continues to strive towards its Mission and Vision.

Information on the survey is being sent to participants via email today. Hockey Alberta is hoping for as many responses as possible to provide the best overview of the general sentiment toward the sport and Hockey Alberta from the province’s hockey community.

The survey will remain open until Wednesday, April 19. A summary of the results will be made available on the Hockey Alberta website, and be available for distribution to Minor Hockey Associations and other members of the hockey community in Alberta.

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Lloydminster Goaltender Bella McKee, one of the 2016-17 AFHL award winners. (Photo credit: Two Point Photography)

Administrator of the Year

AFHL Administrator of the Year: Dean Trotter, Okotoks

AFHL Scholarship Winners

The Alberta Female Hockey League annually presents four scholarships; two to graduating players from the AFHL as well as two to young women currently attending post secondary and who are giving back to the game through coaching or officiating. All of these scholarships will be awarded to help off-set the costs of pursuing a post secondary degree at the institution of their choice.

The AFHL received an overwhelming response to the scholarship fund and recipients were chosen from an extremely deep pool of applicants. Finalists were chosen based on their strong academics, positive contribution to their team as well as their involvement with their community.

As the Junior B Provincial champions, the Wainwright Bisons are now off to compete in the 2017 Keystone Cup, which runs April 13-16 in Arborg, Manitoba.

The Junior A Provincial Championship will be decided through the Alberta Junior Hockey League Playoffs. The North and South Division finals begin on March 31. The Brooks Bandits and Okotoks Oilers are tied 1-1 in the South Division Final, as are the Fort McMurray Oil Barons and the Whitecourt Wolverines in the North Division Final.

Meanwhile, the St. Albert Slash of the Alberta Female Hockey League punched their ticket to the Esso Cup, defeating Greater Vancouver at the Pacific Regional Championships. St. Albert will now represent the Pacific Region in the 2017 Esso Cup in Morden, Manitoba on April 23-29.

Alberta will also be represented on the national stage on the male side, as the Midget AAA Provincial champion Leduc Oil Kings will compete in the 2017 Telus Cup, which runs April 24-30 in Prince George, B.C.

RED DEER - Jeff Rasmuson of Duchess/Brooks and Brock Armstrong of Sylvan Lake are the winners of the Hockey Alberta Coach of the Month Coaches Night Out packages.

Jeff Rasmuson is the first recipient of the NHL Coaches Night Out Calgary Flames Package. Jeff is both the Head Coach of the Duchess Peewee Storm and an Assistant Coach for the Brooks Female Novice Team. Jeff has been coaching for the better part of 15 years and has coached from Initiation all the way up to Senior.

“I wanted to give back what I received from coaches throughout the years,” Jeff said of his decision to begin coaching. “What hockey gives you is a preparation in life for being able to work hard at a job be a team player at work. Raise a family with values and structure knowing that it takes the whole family to be successful by working together. And also it means that nothing in life is easy so you want to be successful you have to work for it. That’s Hockey for Life.”

“Jeff is a kind-hearted man who leads by example and uses his own knowledge and experience that he has gained playing at many levels himself to help him teach and communicate to the kids," said the parent who nominated Jeff. "The kids love and respect him. They look forward to each practice because of what Jeff has to show them and the stories he shares. He is passionate and empathic, competitive and fun. Yet he understands what the differences and needs from each kid and inspires them all to believe in themselves and their potential all while adapting things to make all feel comfortable in their ability.”

Brock Armstrong is the recipient of the NHL Coaches Night Out Edmonton Oilers Package. Brock has been coaching Initiation in Sylvan Lake for the last three years and was recently appointed a Junior Coach Mentor role within his association.

“I try to make the rink a destination for both players and parents, I want the entire family to be excited to come to the rink," said Brock. "My job as a coach is to not only teach the FUNdementals, but to help stock the cupboard with skills that will help the player in everyday life.”

Brock said there are three elements of his coaching philosophy. “1. Work hard, 2. Have Fun, 3. Respect yourself, your teammates, and your opponent.”

“An enthusiastic, fun, accepting, caring and hardworking role model. He has a true love for the game that is infectious if you ever have the privilege to be a player or a parent on his team,” said a parent from Brock’s team.

“I feel the effect of his (Brock’s) coaching in the way my son is improving in other aspects of his life including patients at home and confidence at school," said another parent. "My son really looks up to him and I am so grateful for him to have a role model so passionate for the game and well-being of the kids.”

Thank you to the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers for supplying the two NHL Coaches Night Out Packages which four tickets to a game, apparel, and food and beverage vouchers.

RED DEER - The third and final week of the Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships, presented by ATB Financial, kicks off on Thursday across the province with the final five tournaments of 2017.

Provincial championships set for this weekend include: Senior AA (Wainwright), Junior B (St. Paul), Midget AA (Okotoks), Bantam AA (Olds), and Peewee AA (Edmonton). Okotoks and Olds each hosted True Spirit of Hockey Days in conjunction with Provincials, celebrating a shared love for hockey and the community that supports the sport

The Junior A Provincial Championship will be decided through the Alberta Junior Hockey League Playoffs. The North and South Division finals begin on March 31. The Brooks Bandits and Okotoks Oilers are set to face off in the South Division Final, while the Fort McMurray Oil Barons and the Whitecourt Wolverines will battle in the North Division Final.

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta is pleased to announce the rosters for the 2017 Alberta Cup.

Eight teams will take to the ice at the Canmore Recreation Centre April 26-30. The teams include two from each of Calgary and Edmonton, and one each representing the South, Central, Northeast and Northwest zones of the province.

Twenty 2002-born players comprise each roster, along with volunteers serving as head coach, assistant coaches, trainer, and director of operations. Rosters were selected based on performances at zone camps held March 24-26 throughout the province.

The teams will play in a four-day, tournament-format competition. The event also features an education seminar hosted by the Western Hockey League (WHL).

Tournament passes for the 2017 Alberta Cup are now on sale. Passes are $59+GST each, and include one Alberta Cup Program. Family passes for up to five people (maximum two adults) are $173+GST, and also include one program.

Tickets for the 2017 Alberta Cup Banquet are also now available for purchase. Tickets are $50+GST for adults, and $27+GST for children (12 and under). The Alberta Cup Banquet is Saturday, April 29 at 6 p.m. at the Coast Hotel.

In addition to the on-ice action, seven host communities hosted a True Spirit of Hockey Day to celebrate a shared love for hockey and the community that supports the sport: 3Cs, Elk Point, High Prairie, Kneehill, Rocky Mountain House, Slave Lake, and Strathmore.

The 2017 Provincial Championships tournament schedule wraps up this coming weekend with five tournaments set for March 30 - April 2: Senior AA (Wainwright), Junior B (St. Paul), Midget AA (Okotoks), Bantam AA (Olds), and Peewee AA (Edmonton). Okotoks and Olds will both host True Spirit of Hockey Days in conjunction with Provincials.

The Junior A Provincial Championship will be decided through the Alberta Junior Hockey League Playoffs. The North and South Division finals begin on March 31. The Brooks Bandits and Okotoks Oilers are set to face off in the South Division Final, while the Fort McMurray Oil Barons will have to wait for Game Seven between the Whitecourt Wolverines and Spruce Grove Saints to decide who they will face in the North Division Final.

CALGARY – Hockey Canada wants all of Canada on the same page when it comes to the delivery of its Initiation Program – traditionally a player’s first brush with organized hockey at the ages of five and six.

Although the Initiation Program – originally developed more than 35 years ago – always recommended cross- ice or half-ice small-area games, its delivery has varied from community to community. Beginning in the upcoming 2017-18 season, a new Hockey Canada policy now mandates that Initiation-aged players receive age-appropriate programming on cross-ice or half-ice surfaces.

“You would never put a five- or six-year-old child on a full-size soccer pitch, or expect them to play basketball without any adjustments made for their size. Hockey is no different,” said Paul Carson, vice- president of membership development for Hockey Canada, who notes that while some provinces and communities already deliver cross-ice programming at the Initiation level, others have always utilized full ice for practices and games.

“The Initiation Program was developed to allow kids to have fun, learn skills, and develop confidence,” said Carson. “Re-sizing the playing surface to cross-ice or half-ice means more puck-touches, which result in more chances to practice puck-control and shooting, as well as overall more movement and motor skill- development – twisting, turning, balance, coordination, agility. Their field-of-play matches their size, and these players hone in on their skill-development in a way that larger ice surfaces just aren’t conducive to.”

The differences in skill-development opportunities with cross-ice or half-ice hockey are significant: players receive five times more passes and take six times more shots. They’re called on to have to make more decisions more quickly, and are overall more engaged in the game.

Special boards and bumpers have been developed that allow for quick and easy division of a regular-sized rink into two half-ice surfaces or three cross-ice rinks, with options to create different small-area configurations. Not only does re-sizing the playing surface allow for Initiation-aged players to develop their hockey skills more effectively, it also allows communities to maximize their ice time by safely putting more teams and games on the ice at one time.

Instruction on delivering age-appropriate programming will also be available to coaches trained in the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) Coach 1 – Intro Coach. This clinic, delivered by Hockey Canada’s 13 members, is geared towards coaches of entry-level players to provide resources that will aid in the implementation of skill-development and game play.

To ensure all members of the Alberta hockey community understand the new mandate for the Initiation Program, Hockey Alberta will be undertaking a multi-faceted communication plan that includes the following opportunities for engagement and updates:

May 6-7: in-person with Minor Hockey Association (MHA) presidents/executive members during SpringConference sessions held in Okotoks and Fort Saskatchewan.

June 17-18: in-person with Development Directors for MHAs, and Provincial Coach 1 Facilitators at the Hockey Alberta Development Seminar in Sylvan Lake.

September: in-person with Initiation Program Directors for MHAs (date/location TBA)

October-November 15: in-person as part of Coach 1 Clinic delivery (locations across the province)

Online at hockeyalberta.ca, where Initiation Program and development materials can be accessed by any member of the hockey community.

Resources such as the Hockey Canada Network – a best-in-class skill-development resource geared to coaches – features information on the purpose of cross-ice hockey and how to run effective on-ice sessions for the five-and six-year-old Initiation age group.

Seven more host communities will host a True Spirit of Hockey Day this week: 3Cs, Elk Point, High Prairie, Kneehill, Rocky Mountain House, Slave Lake, and Strathmore. True Spirit of Hockey Day aims celebrate a shared love for hockey and the community that supports the sport.

SPRUCE GROVE – Hockey Alberta is pleased to announce the City of Spruce Grove as the host of the 2018 Alberta Cup.

The Spruce Grove Agrena is the host location for the event, scheduled for April 25-28, 2018.

The Alberta Cup is a core Hockey Alberta development program, and a significant step in the identification and evaluation process for Team Alberta’s U16 Male provincial team that competes at either the U16 Western Challenge Cup or the Canada Winter Games. It is also the final opportunity for Western Hockey League scouts to evaluate players eligible for the WHL bantam draft.

On the ice, the Alberta Cup features 160 of the top bantam-aged male players in Alberta, divided into eight zone teams, playing in a four-day tournament format event. The Alberta Cup also provides coaches, therapists, equipment managers, administrators and officials the opportunity to be identified for potential positions at higher level events such as the Western Challenge, World U17 Hockey Challenge and Canada Winter Games.

“Hosting an event like the Alberta Cup is a challenging undertaking. In addition to the on-ice action, there are a multitude of behind-the-scenes logistics such as accommodations, meals, travel, souvenirs, sponsorship and off-ice player preparation that need to be covered,” said Michael Kraichy, Hockey Alberta’s Manager of Team Alberta. “We were very impressed with the range of partners who will be involved in the event, and the thoroughness and attention to detail shown in the bid package submitted by Spruce Grove. We are confident that the 2018 Alberta Cup will be a memorable one for all participants.”

Spruce Grove’s Strategic Plan identifies that the community will become a leading recreation, leisure, and sports community, and be recognized as an event-hosting destination. The Alberta Cup will join a growing list of sporting events hosted in Spruce Grove, including curling, collegiate soccer, ringette, and junior hockey.

“We are thrilled to be hosting this prestigious event in our community next year,” said Spruce Grove Mayor Stuart Houston. “Sports and recreation play an important role in our city and it’s always a pleasure when we are able to bring a large-scale event like the Alberta Cup to Spruce Grove. I have complete confidence that the players, coaches, spectators and everyone else who comes out to enjoy some fantastic hockey will feel right at home during their stay with us.”

The host committee will include municipal representatives, members of Spruce Grove Minor Hockey Association, local businesses and other sports and not-for-profit organizations.

Spruce Grove Minor Hockey Association will be coordinating volunteers for the 2018 event. Anyone interested in volunteering can email abcup2018@gmail.com.

The Town of Canmore is hosting the 2017 Alberta Cup, April 27-May 1. Zone selection camps are slated for March 24-26.

RED DEER - The deadline for future coaches to register for Hockey Alberta’s Regional Leader Development Program is Friday, March 24.

The Regional Leader Development Program is aimed to develop and train 1999 and 2000-born Midget level male and female hockey players in the areas of coaching, skill instruction and leadership.

The delegates will be trained and mentored on and off ice through classroom sessions that include: leadership, team building and off-iceLTPDtraining. Along with classroom sessions, regional leaders will work through theNCCPCoach 2 program and with leave the program with a trained status. Delegates will also receiveNCCPInstructional Stream-trained status. The total value of the program is more than $400. During the 2 day RLDPall registrants will be provided with:

In addition to the on-ice action, seven host communities held a True Spirit of Hockey Day to celebrate a shared love for hockey and the community that supports the sport: Athabasca,Battle River, Delburne, Fairview, Fort McMurray, Hanna, and Sherwood Park.

RED DEER - The Alberta Female Hockey League’s Midget AAA regular season has officially come to a close, and the Provincial Championships for Bantam Elite and Midget AAA kick off on Thursday and Friday.

The Midget AAA Division wrapped up its inaugural season on March 5. The regular season standings finished up with St. Albert (27-2-1) taking home the regular season crown. The final standings are as follows:

St. Albert’s first year forward Madison Willan takes home the league scoring with 25 goals and 25 assists for 50 points. Willan’s teammates Cassidy Maplethorpe and Tyra Meropoulis round out the top three point leaders with 46 and 45 respectively. Maplethorpe also finished the season leading the league in assists (29).

Two goaltenders tied for top save percentage of the seson, both with a .940; St. Albert’s Camryn Drever and Red Deer’s Chantelle Sandquist (Red Deer). Drever boasts a 1.38 goals against average and a 14-3-0 record, while Sandquist appeared in 11 games, posting a 6-3-1 record with a 1.60 goals against average.

AFHL Action heated up as the race to the Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships kicked off last weekend. The regular season champion St. Albert received a bye into the tournament, as well as host association Rocky Mountain Raiders.

In the first round series, the third-place Calgary Fire faced off against the sixth-place Edmonton Pandas and won the two game, total point series by a score of 6-5. The other series featured the fourth-place Red Deer Chiefs and fifth-place Lloydminster in a low-scoring battle. Red Deer skated away victorious as Kaitlin Linnel scored on a rebound to seal the victory for Red Deer on Sunday afternoon.

The inaugural AFHL Midget AAA Provincial Championship will start on Friday morning, March 17 at Scott Seaman’s arena and will feature our top four teams from the regular season; (1) St. Albert, (2) Rocky Mountain Raiders, (3) Calgary, and (4) Lloydminster. If you are unable to make it Okotoks this weekend, you can still catch the games online! The live video and audio streams, as well as updates on scores will be provided on the AAA Provincial website.

RED DEER – Six months of regular season and tournament action, including up to six weeks of games in Zone playdowns, culminates this month, as teams prepare to “March to a title” at the 2017 Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships, presented by ATB Financial.

Tournament action will determine the majority of the 2017 provincial champions. 14 titles will be awarded on March 19. March 26 will see another 16 champions crowned. The remaining five champions will be determined on April 2. Tournament champions will emerge from a weekend of round-robin pool play and playoff action in their respective tournaments.

The slate of provincial championship tournaments starts this weekend, March 16-19 in fourteen locations around Alberta.

For schedules, arenas, host organizations, and other event-specific information, check the Hockey Alberta website at hockeyalberta.ca or the Provincial Championships website at haprovincials.ca. You can also follow Hockey Alberta on Twitter and Facebook.

Provincial championship host locations were awarded in mid-December, and in the ensuing months, organizing committees in communities across Alberta have been busy securing local sponsors, organizing opening ceremonies, confirming teams and schedules, ordering souvenirs and player gifts, arranging for accommodations, and numerous other tasks to ensure that the participating teams have a memorable experience.

In addition to the on-ice action, several communities will participate in True Spirit of Hockey Day activities in their location communities. In conjunction with the Provincial Championship tournament hosts in these communities, a local school is hosting a number of fun activities, allowing students to learn about hockey, and the teamwork and friendships that can be generated in the sport. Participating communities are: 3Cs, Athabasca, Battle River, Delburne, Elk Point, Fairview, Fort McMurray, Hanna, High Prairie, Kneehill, Okotoks, Olds, Rocky Mountain House, Slave Lake, Sherwood Park and Strathmore.

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta’s Coach of the Month for February is Jake Rushton of Fairview.

Jake is currently the Head Coach of the Fairview Novice Bears, and has been coaching hockey for three years.

“Jake is the coach that goes beyond! He will help out in a heartbeat with equipment, booth shifts or to take five more minutes with a player struggling with a skill," said the parent who nominated Jake. "His enthusiasm and pride in his team, as well as all other teams shines in every direction of his life.”

“He (Jake) treats all the kids like his own and he’s very energetic and communicates great with the parents," said the second parent who nominated Jake. "If there is anything that any kid or even parent needs on the team he’s right there to help. He’s great at picking up on where these kids need a little extra help and making sure they reach their goals and succeed!”

“The thing I love most about coaching is the kids," said Jake. "Every child is unique in their own way. I like to stress teamwork on and off the ice whether it be in the dressing room or in their classroom.”

Tuesday, March 14 is the last day to nominate your coach as Hockey Alberta’s Coach of the Month! All nominated coaches will have a chance to win an NHL Coach’s Night Out prize package!

CALGARY - The Canadian Tire First Shift is pleased to announce the launch of the 2017-2018 application process to become a host Minor Hockey Association for The First Shift program. Minor Hockey Associations are encouraged to review the application criteria and submit an online application.

The Canadian Tire First Shift Program is designed to ease kids and their families into the sport of hockey in a fun and welcoming environment. It is open to boys and girls ages 6-10 years old, who have never registered to play hockey. The registration fee is $199 for each participant and includes:

RED DEER - The Alberta Female Hockey League’s Bantam Elite division wrapped up its inaugural season on February 26.

The Calgary Fire White (21-2-2) are taking home not South Division crown, but the league’s regular season title as well, although the Northern Division-leading St. Albert Raiders (21-3-4) gave them a run for their money.

Olds’ Sarah Wozniewicz claimed the league scoring title, finishing with 27 goales and seven assists for 34 points. goals (23) and points (28). Calgary Red’s Emily Straw and North Central’s Chloe Reid round out the top three in points with 31 and 30, respectively.

Another Grizzly topped the regular season leaderboard, as netminder Jocelynn Pearce ended the regular season with a league-best .950 save percentage, to go allong with an 11-2-0 record and five shutouts.

The road to the Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships, presented by ATB Financial, is now laid out, as the first-round playoff matchups are set. In the North Division, the St. Albert Raiders receive a first-round bye, while the North Central Impact will battle the Edmonton Pandas, and the Peace Country Bonnett’s Storm will take on the Sherwood Park Royals.

Calgary Fire White advance directly to the second round in the South, with the Rocky Mountain Raiders going head-to-head with Calgary Fire Red, and the Red Deer Sutter Fund Chiefs up against the Lethbridge Cyclones. All playoff matchups are two game, total-goal series. The winning teams from each second round series will advance to the Provincial Championship.

EDMONTON – Three Alberta hockey players highlight the list of 2016-17 major award winners announced today by Canada West.

University of Alberta Panda forward Kennedy Ganser is the Canada West Rookie of the Year in Women’s Hockey, while Mount Royal’s Sarah Weninger is the Student-Athlete Community Service honouree. In Men’s Hockey, University of Saskatchewan netminder Jordon Cooke was named Goalie of the Year.

Ganser, a former Team Alberta forward from Provost, led all Canada West rookies with 17 points this season, suiting up in all 28 games. Her 17 points were two more than UBCThunderbirdMaireadBast, of Red Deer, while her seven goals were tied with Manitoba Bison Sheridan Oswald for tops among rookies. Ganser also showed her potential as a strong two-way forward, adding 84 shots and a +13 rating this season. Ganser is now the Canada West nominee for the U SPORTS Rookie of the Year.

“Kennedy has been a tremendous addition to our roster. She is the kind of player that coaches can build a program around. She has a high degree of skill and a hockey IQ to match. These abilities have made her a strong addition to all of our specialty situations,” said Howie Draper, head coach of the Pandas. “Despite her smaller stature, she competes like a giant on both sides of the puck. She is already and will continue to be a tough player to play against in the next four years of her career.”

Weninger, a fifth-year forward from Lethbridge, excelled both on and off the ice at Mount Royal. She finished tied for MRU’s scoring title this season, registering nine goals and four assists in 25 games.

Off the ice, Weninger is involved in several volunteer initiatives, including Hockey Alberta’s Hockey Education Reaching Out Society (HEROS) program, which uses the game of hockey to teach life-skills and empower Canada’s marginalized youth. In addition to her involvement with HEROS, Weninger also attended Hockey Alberta’s Future Leaders Camp, which helps prepare coaches to play an active role in Hockey Alberta programs and within their communities.

Academically, Weninger has achieved a combined GPA of 3.66 over her last two academic semesters and is on pace to be an Academic All-Canadian this season. Weninger now moves forward as the conference nominee for the Marion Hilliard Award as the nation’s top student-athlete.

“Sarah is extremely committed to try and better those around her, whether it is in the hockey community, or life in general,” said Scott Rivett, head coach at Mount Royal. “Her relationship with HEROS is truly remarkable. Sarah has brought other players from our team out to work with them and many are continuing to build their own relationships with these kids on a weekly basis and are having a true impact in their lives. We raised over $3,000 and created an evening for these kids that most have never experienced and it was in large part to all the work that Sarah has put in.”

For a second consecutive season Jordon Cooke has been named Canada West’s top goalie, after posting a 19-4-1 record, 1.94 GAA, and .929 SV%. The Leduc native was the backbone of Saskatchewan’s tremendous campaign, which saw the Huskies claim the conference regular season title for a second straight season.

2016-17 has been a phenomenal season for Cooke, as the Leduc, Alta. product was also named to Canada’s team at the Spengler Cup in Davos, Switzerland over the holiday break. Cooke’s four shutouts this season tied the Canada West single-season record, and his seven career shutouts are the most among any active Canada West goalie.

Cooke now moves forward as the conference nominee for the U SPORTS Goaltender of the Year award, which has been won by a Canada West goalie all but once since being created in 2009-10, including last season by Cooke.

"Last year, Jordon stood out in his first full-year as our No. 1 goaltender. He helped calm a young team, leading us to the Canada West pennant," said Dave Adolph, head coach at the University of Saskatchewan. "In 2016-17, he made things look routine as our team skated to a first-place‎ finish in the regular season. He and our young defence enabled us to lead the league with a very stingy 2.11 goals GAA. He loves to play and loves the challenge. We are very fortunate to have him in a Huskie uniform.”

RED DEER - The number of hockey teams in both the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame and Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame will grow to seven when the 1984-85 NAITOoks enter the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame on May 26 in Red Deer.

The NAIT squad is the only team, and one of two from hockey, among the dozen inductees announced this morning in Calgary, Edmonton and Lethbridge by the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame. The 2017 inductee list includes Athletes, Builders, Pioneers, Media and Achievement personnel.

The only Alberta-based national hockey champions of the male gender to go unbeaten and untied in the regular season and post season, NAIT joins the 1947-48 Edmonton Flyers, 1950 Edmonton Waterloo Mercurys, 1951 Lethbridge Maple Leafs, 1952 Olympic Champion Edmonton Waterloo Mercurys, 1962-63 Edmonton Oil Kings, and 1965-66 Edmonton Oil Kings as teams enshrined in both of Alberta’s Halls of Fame. The NAIT squad was inducted into the Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame in 2012.

The 1984-85 Ooks were the first varsity national hockey champions from Western Canada to have a true (or complete) perfect season with 25 wins in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) regular season, five victories in the ACAC playoffs and three triumphs at the Canadian Colleges Athletic Association (CCAA) National Hockey Championships in Moose Jaw. With 33 wins in 33 regular season and post season outings, the team (which still holds six conference records) has the most wins of the five men’s national hockey champions from the CCAA, U Sports, and NCAA to have a winning percentage of 1.000. They were also the first team to defeat a university team in its CIAU (now U Sports) national championship season en route to winning a CCAA National Hockey Championship.

Also a member of the 2017 induction class is former Edmonton Oiler star Ryan Smyth, who played in 1,270 games and amassed 842 points during his 19-year NHL career. He played for the Edmonton Oilers for 15 years and represented Canada internationally 12 times, playing in 78 games.

Smyth earned the nickname “Captain Canada” as he was team captain at six World Championships. He won five gold medals while wearing the Team Canada jersey including the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, when the team won the first hockey gold medal in 50 years. Smyth also won gold at the World Hockey Championships in 2003 and 2004, the World Cup of Hockey in 2004, and the World Junior Hockey Championship in 1995.

For more information on the 2017 Alberta Sports Hall of Fame Induction Class, go to http://ashfm.ca/

The 2017 Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame Induction Class will be announced in March.

RED DEER – Hockey Alberta is proud to announce the appointment of SpirosAnastas and Craig Perrett as the Head Coaches of Team Alberta for the 2017U16 Male and U18 Female Programs.

Anastas comes into the head coach position for Team Alberta’s U16 team after winning gold last year at the Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup as an assistant coach. He’s served as the Head Coach of the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns (CIS) since 2014, having previously spent time as an assistant coach with the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League, and with Western Michigan University and Lebanon Valley College. At the international level, Anastas won gold medals With South Korea at the 2015 IIHF World Championships as the Assistant Coach of the Division I, Group B Men’s National Team, and as the Head Coach of the Division II, Group A Korean U18 team.

Perrett is currently an Assistant Coach with the Mount Royal Cougars Women’s hockey team, and returns to Team Alberta after serving as an Assistant Coach on Team Alberta’s gold medal-winning U16 team in 2015. Perrett has spent many years with the Team Alberta program in various roles, most recently serving as a Coach Mentor at the Alberta Cup and Alberta Winter Games, and will mentor once again at the upcoming Alberta Challenge.

“We’re looking forward to having both Spiros and Craig back with the Team Alberta program,” said Mike Kraichy, manager of Team Alberta. “Both coaches are coming off gold medals in their respective years, and we’re excited to see how they will build off those successes.”

The U16 Male Program is the third stage of the development and identification process to select a roster for Team Alberta to compete at either the U16 Western Challenge or the Canada Winter Games. The Games are held every four years, with the next event set for 2019 in Red Deer. Players in the U16 Male program will be challenging for the opportunity to compete on one of the three teams that represent Canada each year at the World U17 Hockey Challenge.

The High Performance U18 program works towards identifying the top 20 female players in Alberta, who will comprise Team Alberta U18 representing the province at the National Women’s Under 18 Championship or the Canada Winter Games. Making this team is the pinnacle of female amateur hockey in Alberta, and a major lifetime highlight for the players.

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta’s Coach of the Month for January is Joe Bouvier of Clive.

In addition to serving as the Head Coach of the Clive Atom team, Joe is the Assistant Coach of Clive’s Novice and Initiation teams, to go along with his duties as the Vice President and Coach Mentor of the Clive Minor Hockey Association.

Joe has a long history as a player and a coach. Growing up, Joe played minor hockey in Central Alberta and went on to play in the WHL in Saskatchewan. He then moved to New Brunswick for University, where he played CIS hockey. Shortly after University, he moved to Austria to play professional hockey. Joe has been coaching for a total of twelve years at all levels across Canada.

“Joe has a passion for hockey, a skill set for teaching, knowledge of the game, and the skills to demonstrate and understand the process of making kids love and learn the game, and maybe most importantly, Joe believes there is a place in hockey for all kids,” said a fellow coach, who nominated Joe for the award. “He (Joe) is always available for our association’s coaches to ask him questions. And, he understands the game and the kids so well that he can give good guidance to all our coaches on a daily basis. Once a month, he goes on the ice with each of our teams and mentors the coaches by running a skills and drills practice. This gives the coaches age appropriate drills and explanations why to do these drills, as well as what to look for to correct and develop each child. Joe has been a huge role model for all of our players and has helped our Clive kids reach their full potential.”

RED DEER – The goaltender position has evolved dramatically over the past few decades.

Not only has the equipment changed and improved, so has the coaching, mechanics and mental training associated with the position.

In order to ensure that Alberta’s goaltenders, and their coaches, are properly equipped for the best performance possible in this specialized position, Hockey Alberta has developed a new Provincial Goaltender Development Plan.

“The goaltender position is a unique one in the sport of hockey. In working with coaches and athletes across the province, we have identified the need to better support the overall training and development of goaltenders,” said Justin Fesyk, Senior Management of Development. “Hockey Alberta’s new goaltender development plan focuses on ensuring goalies at all levels have the chance to enjoy the position and the game of hockey to the fullest.”

The Goaltender Development Plan has a multi-pronged approach. One focal point is on developing the knowledge and expertise of coaches, both regionally and within individual associations. The other prong involves providing goaltenders with specialized training opportunities, where they can work with other goalies as well as some of the most experienced goaltender coaches in the province.

The initial stages of the plan are being implemented over the next few months, in preparation for full operation starting in September for the 2017-18 season.

The first step is to identify and recruit six Goaltender Coach Leads who will be strategically located around the province and work as part of Hockey Alberta’s Regional Centre network. Each Regional Goalie Lead will provide leadership and support to minor hockey associations and Regional Centre Consultants in implementing Hockey Alberta’s Goaltending Development Plan throughout their region.

The position outline and application instructions for the Regional Goaltender Lead positions are available on the Hockey Alberta website. Deadline for applications is February 22.

“The Regional Goalie Leads will be the keys to the success of the Goaltender Development Plan,” said Matt Weninger, Regional Centre South Consultant, and a former Junior A and NCAA goaltender. “The Leads will coordinate support to our minor hockey associations, educating coaches, planning practices and camps, supporting MHAs with their goalie evaluation process, and mentoring coaches.”

In addition to selecting the Regional Leads, a number of training weekends are already scheduled for goaltenders, coaches, and development directors.

For goalies, three goaltender camps have been organized - two open to any 2000-2007 born goaltender, and one targeted at elite level goalies:

The big event for coaches and development directors will be June 17-18 at Sylvan Lake, Each Local Minor Hockey Association (LMHA) in Alberta will be able to nominate an individual to attend the Goalie Coach Training Seminar. As well, LMHA development directors will receive training on building a goalie development plan for their own organization. More details on both segments of the Sylvan Lake event will be available in March.

RED DEER – The first month of 2017 has come to a close in the Alberta Female Hockey League, with the St. Albert Slash (Midget AAA) still in the lead, while the Sherwood Park Fury (Midget Elite), and St. Albert Raiders (Bantam Elite) have moved to the top of their respective leagues.

St Albert’s first year forward Madison Willan continues to lead all skaters in goals (17), assists (18) and points (35), with her teammatesCassidyMaplethorpe and TyraMeropoulis right behind her in total points with 31 and 28, respectively.

Four goaltenders sit tied atop the league with a save percentage of .940; St. Albert’s Brianna Sank, Calgary’s Katie Crowther, Red Deer’s ChantelleSandquist and Lloydminster’sBella McKee. Sank boosts the top goals against average with 1.31 and three shutouts on the season while her counterpart in St Albert, CamrynDrever, leads the way with 11 wins.

Red Deer’s DanicaPolsonleads all skaters in points (22) and goals (17) as January comes to a close, while Calgary Fire White’s SydenySpicer holds the lead in assists with 11.

Red Deer’s Jayda Thompson of Red Deer continues to lead the way for goaltenders with a .75 goals against average, while also boasting a .960 save percentage and seven wins on the season. Sherwood Park’s Sara McNamara also sports a .960 save percentage and sits tied with Thompson for the league lead, while Peace Country’s Paige Jassman continues to lead in wins and shutouts, with 12 and six, respectively

Olds’ Sarah Wozniewicz heads into February the league-leader in goals (23) and points (28). Sherwood Parks’ Vanessa Verbitsky is not far behind with 25 points, and leads the league with 15 assists.

St. Albert’s Holly Borrett and Olds’ Jocelynn Pearce continue to lead the way with 0.960 save percentages and .68 and .89 goals against averages, respectively. Borrett’s counterpart in St. Albert, Elle Boyko, remains the league-leader wins with seven.

The inaugural AFHL All Star Game was hosted in Strathmore, Alberta on January 14, 2017. A full recap and list of participants can be seen here.

Outside of the rink, many of our AFHL Teams participated in the inaugural Alberta Hockey Day. The focus and theme was on the introduction, development and celebration of female hockey. Thank you to our AFHL members Calgary, Lloydminster and Leduc (North Central) for participating and helping spread the message of #WhyWePlay.

RED DEER - Hockey Canada, in partnership with Hockey Alberta, is pleased to announce the registration for the 2017 Spring Development Program. This program is available for Initiation through to Midget-aged hockey players.

This ten week program will run in Calgary, at the Winsport complex, and at Great Plains Arena, from April 3rd until June 11th (dates subject to change).

This Spring Development Program is a multisport training and hockey skill development program. Each on-ice session is paired with an off-ice athletic development session. Multisport training includes: basketball, lacrosse, floorball, soccer, football, physical literacy, and more.

*Please note - there are fewer sessions for initiation age group players.

All on-ice skill sessions are individual skill based. Efforts will be made to group players of similar skill sets into the same sessions to promote optimal player growth and foster teaching opportunities. Goaltender specific instruction/mentorship is included in every session.

For questions and more information, or if you are interested in registering a large group or team for this program, please contact Ross Maclean at Hockey Canada (403-777-3615).

MEDICINE HAT - Hockey Alberta is proud to partner with the Western Hockey League to present another installment of the WHL Game Day Speaker Series with the Medicine Hat Tigers on Wednesday, February 15.

This seminar is open to all local minor hockey coaches registered with Hockey Alberta. The seminar will allow for coaches to attend a Medicine Hat Tigers home game, where participants will get a behind-the-scenes experience to talk and learn from WHL coaches. With both practical and theoretical learning experiences, this is a great educational opportunity for coaches.

The seminar takes place at the home of the Tigers, the Canalta Centre, and feature a pre-game presentation from Hockey Alberta, a visit from Victoria Royals’ Head Coach, Dave Lowry, a ticket to watch the Tigers game, and a Q&A session after the game with members of the Medicine Hat Tigers coaching staff.

The seminar has a maximum capacity of 30 participants, and registration is on a first come, first serve basis.

Coach Bios

Shaun Clouston

Shaun is in his 14th season with the Medicine Hat Tigers. He has been the Head Coach for seven seasons, and the General Manager for five seasons.

He has also been the Assistant Coach for Team Canada’s U18 squad at the Ivan Hlinka Tournament, and was the Head Coach for Team Canada at the U18 World Championships.

Dave Lowry

Dave has been the Head Coach of the Victoria Royals for the past 5 seasons. Last season, Dave won the DuncMcCallum Memorial Trophy as the WHL Coach of the Year. He was also the Head Coach of Team Canada at the 2016 World Junior Championships and was an assistant at the 2015 World Junior Championships (winning gold).

Prior to his coaching career Dave played in 1084 NHL games with Vancouver, St. Louis, Florida, San Jose and Calgary.

RED DEER/STRATHMORE – The inaugural Alberta Female Hockey League All-Star celebrations were a huge success, with the Midget Elite South and Bantam Elite North teams coming out on top in their respective games.